Homework for Homebuyers

As an added precaution, do a double-check of the services available to the property you are considering. Ask specific questions of the proper authorities and accept only specified answers.

Day-Care, Preschool: Where are nearby day-care and preschool facilities ? What types of programs do they offer? Will be there a place for your child? Which days and what times are available? What are the costs?

Public Transportation: Is a bus or some other public transportation available? Where are bus stops located? How frequent is the service? Obtain a transportation map so you can determine the routes you may be using.

Recreational Facilities: Will you be allowed to use recreational facilities in the area? Is your new home in a public or private recreation district? Are special memberships required? Where are parks located and what facilities do they have? Are the parks used by recreation organizations on specific days? Who takes care of part maintenance and security?

Hospital and Medical Services: Where is the nearest hospital? Are emergency medical facilities closer?

Police and Fire Protection: How available are police, fire and emergency services? Is the protection adequate? Will your home be protected by a neighborhood watch program? Does the area have access to a 911 or other emergency telephone number?

Television Reception: Is TV reception adequate? Is cable TV available for those who want? Are there restrictions on antennae? Can you have your own satellite dish?

Telephone Service: Will telephone service be available as soon as you move in? Will a private line be available? What other telephone services are available?

Postal Service: Will mail be delivered to the front porch, to the front curb or to community mailboxes at the end of the road? Will mail be delivered daily? Where is the nearest facility to mail packages, buy stamps, etc.?

Trash Collection: Is a commercial garbage collection service available. Or will you have to haul and dispose of your own trash? If dumpsters are provided, where are they located?

Street Maintenance and Parking: Are the roads properly maintained? Will it be your responsibility to maintain any part of the roads? What are the parking restrictions, weekdays, weekends and in emergencies? Can you park directly in front of your home?

Water and Sewer: Are water and sewer facilities adequate? Are there water restrictions?

Property Taxes: What are the property taxes now and what are they expected to be? Is a general tax increase expected?

Special Assessments: Are special assessments anticipated? These could be made for any number of reasons - paving projects, water and/or sewer improvements, drainage improvements, schools, parks, sidewalks. Are you expected to pay for special assessments approved or anticipated?

Zoning Changes and New Construction: Have there been any recent zoning changes? Are zoning changes anticipated? Is new construction planned that will change the appearance of or the traffic flow through the neighborhood?

This Homebuyers Tip was excerpted from:

How to Buy Your Home and Do It Right, by Susan E. Beck, Dearborn Financial Publishing, Inc., 1993

ISBN# 0793104947

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