Beyond Disclosures: A Move-In Checklist
Buying a new home and moving is an exciting and usually exhausting experience. If you’re buying a foreclosed property it can be especially challenging, as the bank has no knowledge of the property and you are really on your own to not only do all of your own investigation, but to figure out how everything works. On the other hand, if you’re lucky enough to buy from an owner who occupies the property, you have the chance to gather a lot of information that goes way beyond the mandatory disclosures.
One of my clients closed escrow today on her dream home, and here are some of the items we put on her move-in checklist to discuss with the current owner:
- Are there manuals and/or warranties for the appliances?
- Is there a warranty from the builder or for the roof?
- If there is a security system, which company provides the monitoring, what does it cost, and how does it work?
- Where is the mailbox? Is there a key?
- What day is trash collected? Is it provided by the city or a private company?
- Be sure to collect all garage door clickers and door keys.
- If there is an automatic landscape sprinkler system, are there instructions for setting the controls?
- When was the last time any of the chimneys were cleaned (if wood burning)?
- Where are the exterior clean-outs for the drains?
- If on a septic system, where is the tank located? Is there access?
- Are the property lines clearly marked?
- Where is the main shut-off for the water and gas?
- Anything special we should know about the neighbors?
- Swimming pool or spa? Have the current owner walk you through basic operations. Take notes…you won’t remember!
- Learn how to operate any exterior lights, fountains or ponds.
- Is there any type of water softener or filter? How does it operate?
- When was the last time the furnace filter was changed?
- Who are the current service providers (gardener, pool maintenance, etc) and what are there phone numbers?
- Is there anything else unusual about operation of any of the home’s systems that we should know about?
Every home is of course different, and the questions you need to ask will vary according to where you live. But do take time with your client to help them gather important information that will make the moving process smoother for everyone involved.
If you’re ready to find your San DiegoCounty dream home, just give me a call. Work with a Realtor who really knows the area!
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