Buyer Tips

Remeber that my service as your buyer representative does not cost you a single penny but the quality of service you will receive is worth millions!!!

First Time Home Buyers are often not aware that they may select a REALTOR to represent them as their Buyers Agent at no cost to them as buyers. This representative may also show the buyers any property listed for sell in their area(s) of interest that are on the Tucson Multiple Listing System (MLS). Select a REALTOR that will sit down with you and gain a clear understanding of your needs, dreams and financial picture. 

Fire coverage....on property located with the incorporated areas of Tucson are most likely covered through the real estate taxes. However, if the property is located outside of the incorporated area of Tucson, you may very well have to contract directly with Rural/Metro Fire Department  http://www.rmfire.com/contactus.asp . Areas such as Rancho Sahuarita and southern areas of the Vail School District such as Carona De Tucson fall into this category. If you do not contract for service and service is provided in an emergency, you will be billed directly and it is very possible that your home owners' insurance will not cover the expense.

Sewer lines  on older properties may have issues that were not disclosed by the seller or issues that have not yet caused problems with sewer line drainage. Many times this may go undetected during normal home inspections. You never know what used to be the front yard and what roots may still be alive underground, attacking or approaching attack on the sewer lines of older homes that had clay type sewer lines when built. Even newer homes with plastic sewer lines may become compressed due to root expansion of trees in the sewer line path. Be safe and order a sewer line scope during the buyers' inspection (Due Diligence) period. Average cost is between $135 and $185, well worth it!

Home Inspections  are optional to the buyer during the Due Diligence or Inspection Period but are strongly recommended, even on New Construction. Make certain you use a qualified and licensed inspector and COMPARE COSTS. New construction can easily have issues with hot/cold water lines reversed, improperly calibrated cooling systems which will make the AC unit work harder and be less efficient thereby decreasing the life expectancy of the unit, missing roof tiles, improperly grounded electrical outlets and more. Remember, when you do your final walk through with the builders' representative, none of these items are being checked.

New Construction Buyer Representation should be obtained. Why would you not want to be represented? The builder's site/sales agent is representing the seller/builder, not you the buyer. Not having representyation does NOT save you money, in fact, it may very well cost you money. So before you start visitng new construction building sites and model homes, select your REALTOR and provide their name and information when you sign in. Many builders require that the REALTOR accompany you on your first visit or you will not be permitted to have a Buyers' Agent/REALTOR. Your REALTOR may very well save you money on the purchase price and much more. ELECT TO BE REPRESENTED!! 

Foreclosed properties are typically good buys but are sold "AS IS". What exactly does this mean to you as the buyer? For a complete discussion please call me anytime at 520-429-4763. However, several key points are: the buyer still has the right to inspections and subsequent rejection or cancellation of the contract with a full return of earnest money if the results of such inspections warrant this action; some foreclosure lenders may repair certain mechanical items such as heating or cooling even though the property is being sold "AS IS" but do not count on this; closing times from contract through final closing are typically within 30-45 days depending on the type of the buyer's financing; the lender/owner of the property may require the buyer to have utilities turned on at their own expense to conduct inspections; and it is not unusual to have the lender/owner agree to pay the buyer's closing costs as part of the contract.