12.20.2001 :: Real Estate News
Buyer's Inspection Advisory: Importance of Property Inspection
by Graham Morland

The physical condition of the land and improvements being purchased is not guaranteed by either the Seller or Brokers. For this reason a Buyer should conduct thorough inspections of the Property personally and with professional inspectors. Expect these (licensed) professionals to provide written reports of their inspections. A general physical inspection by a professional does not typically cover all aspects of the Property, nor items affecting the Property which are not physically located on the Property. If the professionals recommend further investigation you should arrange for other qualified experts to conduct such additional investigations, tests, or inspections.

Each party involved in a Real Estate transaction has certain right, duties and obligations. The buyers have rights under the terms of a Purchase and Sale agreement to expect full disclosure from sellers and brokers, and full rights to their own discovery in a reasonable timeframe as outlined in the agreement. A full discourse on your rights are covered in the California Association of Realtors (CAR) form BIA11, and the Purchase and Sale Agreement form RPA-11, a copy of which can be obtained from your own agent or the author of this article. An additional form known as the PRDS Supplemental Sellers Checklist is recommended by this author to be requested by buyers of the sellers. This form is quite comprehensive and will require that sellers really think through all the possible disclosure facts regarding the sale of their Property. In the end it should be beneficial to all parties to get full disclosure through the variety of means mentioned.

For the first time buyers a list of different types of inspections are listed below. These inspections should be considered important regardless of the type of Property being purchased. Remember, correcting a condition after the purchase can be done, but only at the expense of arbitration or litigation. Better to find out exactly what you are buying while in escrow, and while you are protected under contract.

Recommended Inspections List (Note, not meant to be all inclusive)

General Condition of the Property, Its Systems, and Components, Square Footage, Age Boundaries, Pest Control, Soil Stability, Roof, Pool/Spa, Water and Utilities, Well Systems, Waste Disposal, Septic Tanks, Environmental Hazards, Earthquake, Flood, Permits, Zoning, Governmental Requirements, Rental Restrictions, Security, Safety, Neighborhood, Area, Subdivision Conditions, Personal Factors.

As you can see, quite a lot to think about in the purchase of a property. For more information, advice and help, either email Graham Morland at graham@santacruzrealty.net, or call him at 831-464-5237.

Graham Morland is the producer of SantaCruz-RealEstate.com. He moved to the field of professional real estate after a very successful career as an executive in high technology computing. Currently the broker/owner of Sterling Properties, Graham can be reached by email at Graham@SantaCruz-RealEstate.com or by phone at 831.688.2310.