Technical Guides
Navigate the fine print with confidence—your deep dive into the must-know details of real estate
Property Inspection Reports
Costs between $300-$500 depending on type of inspection. Keep in mind every house will have things come up on its report. Be open minded. Different loans require different inspections. The cost is paid upfront when scheduling and is nonrefundable.
On the buyer's end, appraisals are more for the lender than the buyer. The lender will hire an appraiser to calculate the value of the property. Your home loan cannot exceed more than what the home is worth.
Understanding Appraisals
Zoning Laws and Restrictions
Before buying a home, check your zoning dept, if what your plan for the house is able to be done on that property. Every county is different. Check with city/town planning dept, zoning dept or building dept. You want to look at your zoning code (residential, farming, industrial, mixed used) and zoning map.
When looking at houses make sure you know if there is an HOA (Homeowners Association). If there is what are the (Covenants, conditions, & restrictions) that spell out what you can and cannot do with your property. What are the monthly/yearly due? Upcoming special assessment that may raise the cost?
Home Owners Associations (HOAs)