Do this first before you Buy a Home

You found your dream home and are ready to make an offer.  Do these four investigative measures before you sign on the dotted line.

1.  Talk to would-be neighbors.  Ask how they like the area, how are the schools or if there are any problem activity nearby.


2.  Check your commute.  Drive from your possible new home to work during rush hour to see how long it will really take.  If you use the bus, then take the daily bus you would use to commute.


3.  Check crime data and sex offender databases.  For crime statistics go to faxnet1.org or search the internet for your local crime statistics link.  For sex offenders go to azsexoffender.org or search the internet for your local sex offender database line.


 4.  Read up.  Investigate the location of nearby dairy farms, jails or proposed freeway developments or alignments.  Call local Planning and Zoning for additional proposed developments.

5.  Make multiple offers on multiple properties.  You can make sellers compete for your business.  Just make sure the Realtor provides the correct verbiage so that you don't end up buying several properties. This won't always work but in the current Seller's market it's worth a shot.





Linda Shank is a local real estate broker in the Southeast Phoenix Valley.  She can be reached on her website www.ISellAZSunshine.com or on this blog.   

Home Inspections Most Common Defects Revealed

These are common defects found in Home Inspections.   Here's what home owners can do to prevent common defects from kaboshing a sale.

1.  Improper Electrical wiring  - Look for items such as insufficient electrical service to the house, inadequate overload protection, spliced wires without being housed in a box or inadequate permits.  Have these fixed by a licensed contractor and not by "Harry the Homeowner".


2.  Roof Deterioration - Routinely look for old or damaged shingles and call a licensed and bonded roofer if you suspect any issues.  Cutback tree limbs growing too near the house.  A tile roof in a warmer area should have it's underlayment periodically checked as this actually deteriorates faster than the concrete tiles which claim to be life-time roofs.



3.  Plumbing problems  Check sink faucets, hose bibs, shut-off valves for potential leakage.  Make sure toilets are securely bolted.  Inspectors look for corroded or mismatched piping materials, faulty fixture and improperly installed hot water heaters. 



4.  Improper Surface grading or drainage  You might need to install, realign or repair a damaged gutter or downspout to ensure proper drainage.  Make sure that your landscaping is sloped away from the home so that water doesn't run at a downward angle right into your home's basement or crawlspace.



5.  Poor overall upkeep (commonly known as deferred maintenance).  Walk around your house at least once a year checking for potential maintenance issues.  Look for cracked, peeling, dirty painted surfaces, broken fixtures or appliances.  Decayed caulking around doors and windows needs to be addressed as it can compromise your heating and cooling costs.

As Larry the Cable Guy says, "Getter done"!!!!  Don't wait for the Home Inspector to find problems. 








Linda Shank is a Broker/Owner in Gold Canyon Arizona.  Reach her at www.ISellAZSunshine.com