The listing is the start of a property investigation. Build a file for the exact parcel, then ask the appropriate professionals to resolve the questions that affect your purchase.
Confirm what you are buying
Match the street address, parcel, locality and legal property description. Ask about easements, association obligations, access, utilities and any shared facilities. A neighborhood name cannot establish a school assignment, zoning permission or property boundary.
Read the public record
Look up assessments, zoning, available permit history and nearby development applications through the relevant locality. Distinguish an application from an approval and an approval from completed construction. Ask the planning or inspection office about unclear records; the absence of an online item is not proof that no issue exists.
Investigate condition and risk
Discuss the inspection scope with your inspector and agent. Consider drainage, foundation, roof, heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical systems and any well or septic system. Consult current flood information and obtain insurance quotes for the specific property and occupancy.
Close the open questions
Keep a list of who will answer each question and by when. Compare loan terms and the full ownership budget with qualified professionals. Before closing, reconcile agreed repairs, access arrangements, utility handover and the documents you will need afterward.
Keep open questions visible
- Property
- Parcel, boundaries, access, recorded improvements and association documents.
- Condition
- Inspection scope, findings, estimates and responsibility for agreed work.
- Daily life
- School-year assignment, services, parking and journeys at realistic times.
- Before commitment
- Who will answer each unresolved question, what evidence is needed, and when the answer is due.