Home Buyer’s
Checklist

The Arizona Association of REALTORS® has assembled the following “checklist” for your use:

Here are answers to some of the questions you may have while looking for your home and a checklist to guide you:

1. What are the buyer’s
responsibilities in the transaction?
• Investigate and inspect the property.
• Reasonably consider the age and overall condition of the home.
• Take an active role, ask questions.
• Exercise reasonable care to protect yourself.
• Verify verbal statements. Get them in writing.
• Review the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS), paying particular attention to the date prepared and to questions answered “unknown” or left unanswered.
• Hire a professional home inspector and attend the inspection.
• Be aware of all contractual obligations.

2. What is the role of the
buyer’s REALTOR®?
• Find properties that meet your needs.
• Assist in answering your questions or direct you to other sources for answers.
• Prepare the purchase contract according to your instructions.
• Submit all offers and counteroffers promptly.
• Coordinate inspections and walkthroughs.
• Promptly communicate the status of your transaction while in escrow.

3. What should the buyer do to investigate and inspect the property?
• Tell your REALTOR® what’s important to you.
• Verify all important information from any source (e.g., MLS information, advertising, etc.)
• Check nearby property uses.
• Conduct the necessary inspections
(roof, structural integrity, heating & cooling systems, termites or other pests, electrical and plumbing, waste disposal, square footage, and property lines)
• Conduct a final walkthrough

4. What other information might the buyer want to look for?
• Neighborhood or area conditions
• Schools, day care facilities, health facilities
• Availability of fire protection, emergency, and other services.
• Crime statistics, adequacy of law enforcement
• Proximity of registered sex offenders. Check
www.azsexoffender.com
• Proximity to commercial, industrial, or agricultural activities
• Existing and proposed transportation, construction and development.
• Views, traffic, airport flight paths, other noises or odors from any source.
• Wildlife and domestic animals; other nuisances, hazards, or circumstances.
• Existence of required governmental permits, inspections or certificates.
• Governmental limitations, restrictions, and requirements (zoning and flood plain).
• Condition of common areas and facilities (if any)
• Existence of deed restrictions, conditions, covenants, and restrictions (CC&R’s), easements, or other governing documents
• Information regarding any homeowner’s associations.
• Current or past infestation by termites, scorpions, insects or other pests.
• Conditions relating to your personal needs, requirements, and preferences.

5. How can buyers protect themselves from the cost of property defects?
• Get a home inspection. The seller and the agents may not know of existing property defects. A home inspection is critical to the buyer as it enables a buyer to determine the condition of the property before close of escrow and negotiate possible solutions to any problems before electing to go forward with the transaction.
• Get a home warranty. Buyers are strongly encouraged to buy a home warranty. However, all policies are not alike. Read your policy for possible coverage limitations or restrictions.