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Home Buying 101

 Getting the most for your money.

For sale signs have become as common in the Valley as cactus, but how do you know you're getting a good deal?

Craig Sanford, President of the Arizona Association of Realtors, says the biggest mistake buyers make is not doing their research. With a little knowledge, "buyers are then able to ask the questions that are important to them in their search for a new home," says Sanford

Once you decide on a home, Sanford cautions there are things that shouldn't be overlooked by future homeowners, Here are just a few:

Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS) This document is provided by most sellers and includes a list of questions for the seller to answer about the property and its condition. The Arizona Association of Realtors (AAR) says the buyer should  carefully review the SPDS and verify any statements of concern. Ask for receipts on repair done to the home and look for water stains on ceilings or carpet that may indicate water damage.

Home Warranty Policy A home warranty may be part of the sale of the home. If so, read the document carefully. The buyer should look for coverage and limitation information including whether pre-existing property conditions are covered under the policy. If a home doesn't have a warranty, the AAR strongly suggests buyers get one.

Professional Home Inspection The AAR says a home inspection is for the buyer's protection. The importance of having a home inspected by a professional home inspector cannot be over-emphasized, regardless of whether the home is new or a resale.

Pests Arizona has a lot unique pests to consider like termites, scorpions and rattlesnakes. Termites are very common in some parts of Arizona, To see if your home has had past termite or pest problems you can go to The Structural Pest Control Commission at www.sb.state.az.us/wir.htm

Mold According to the AAR, mold has always been with us and it is rare that a property does not have some mold. The Arizona Department of Health Services, Offices of Environmental Health, states, "If you can see mold or if there is an earthy musty odor, you can assume you have a mold problem." You can go to www.hs.state.az.us/phs/oeh/invsurv/air_qual/mold_contents.htm for more information on mold.

This is just a short list of items to be on the lookout for when buying a home. For a complete list of what every homebuyer should know, go to www.aaronline.com to print a convenient checklist.

Sources: www.armls.com, www.aaronline.com and Craig Sanford, President of Arizona Association of Realtors.

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