Nolo's Essential Guide To Buying Your First Home - Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home Part 99
Library

Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home Part 99

5. Have you ever been subject to any bar association disciplinary proceedings?

6. Have you ever been sued for malpractice? What was the result?

7. How many individual home buying clients have you represented in the past year?

8. Can you provide the names of three recent clients who will serve as references?

NOTES:.

Best Answers: 1. More than 50%. 1. More than 50%.2. The longer the better, but at least two years.3. No one right answer-you'll want to compare fees between attorneys. But try not to base your decision solely on how high or low the fees are.4. Only acceptable answer is "Yes."5. Only acceptable answer is "No."6. Only acceptable answer is "No."7. Should be a minimum of seven.8. Not all attorneys will provide references, but if one does, it's worth your time to follow up.

Attorney Reference Questionnaire Here's what to ask the attorney references. You can add any other questions that interest you-for example, if you're seeking a particular type of legal help, such as with buying a co-op.Name of attorney:Name of reference:Date:1. How did you choose the attorney?

2. Did you know the attorney before you worked together?

3. What kind of legal services did the attorney provide?

4. Was the attorney responsive? Did the attorney return calls and emails promptly, follow through on promises, and meet deadlines?

5. How long did you work together?

6. Are you happy with the attorney's services?

7. Did the attorney keep you up to date, and explain everything in terms you understood?

8. Would you work with the attorney again?

OTHER COMMENTS:Home Inspector Interview Questionnaire Ask potential inspectors the following questions, as well as anything specific to your situation, like whether the inspector has experience with historic or remodeled properties:Name of inspector and contact information (phone, email, etc.):Date of conversation:1. Do you work full time as a home inspector?

2. How long have you been in the home inspection business?

3. Are you affiliated with ASHI?

4. How many home inspections have you done in the past year in this area?

5. What kind of inspection report do you provide? Can I see an example?

6. Do you have current, active liability insurance?

7. What did you do before you were a home inspector?

8. Can I accompany you on the inspection? Can I take photos or videos?

9. Can you provide at least three names of recent clients who'll serve as references?NOTES:

Best Answers: 1. Yes. 1. Yes.2. The longer the better, but at least two years.3. Only acceptable answer is "Yes." ASHI is the national organization with the most stringent professional standards.4. Should be a minimum of 15.5. Many inspectors have sample reports on their websites; you want as comprehensive report as possible, versus a short checklist. And you definitely want to see a sample report if there isn't one on the inspector's website.6. Only acceptable answer is "Yes." Be sure to ask for a certificate of this compliance.7. Only acceptable answer is a building-related position, such as a contractor or building inspector.8. Only acceptable is "Yes" to the question of whether you can accompany the inspector. But whether you'll be permitted to take photos or videos is a matter of the inspector's own preference.9. Only acceptable answer is "Yes."

Home Inspector Reference Questionnaire Here's what to ask the inspector's references:Name of inspector:Name of reference:Date:1. How did you choose the inspector?

2. Did you know the inspector before you worked together?

3. What kind of inspection did you get and how much did it cost?

4. Was the inspector responsive? Did the inspector return calls and emails promptly, follow through on promises, and meet deadlines?

5. Did the inspector take the time to explain everything to you?

6. Did you go along on the inspection? If not, why not? If so, how long did it take?

7. What kind of report did you get?

8. Are you happy with the home inspection services and report you got?

9. Did the inspector keep you up to date, and explain everything in terms you understood?

10. Would you work with the inspector again?

OTHER COMMENTS:House Visit ChecklistTake the following items when you're visiting houses, and add anything else you think is important, such as paint chips.[image] Forms from this book, including: Forms from this book, including:[image] Dream List Dream List[image] Questions for the Seller Checklist Questions for the Seller Checklist[image] Condo/Co-op Worksheet (if relevant) Condo/Co-op Worksheet (if relevant)[image] First-Look Home Inspection Checklist First-Look Home Inspection Checklist [image]A pen and paper, for taking notes (clipboard optional)[image] Binoculars (handy for examining the roof) Binoculars (handy for examining the roof)[image] A camera or camcorder, preferably digital, to remind yourself of what you saw (such as color of bathroom tile, landscaping, light fixtures) A camera or camcorder, preferably digital, to remind yourself of what you saw (such as color of bathroom tile, landscaping, light fixtures)[image] A tape measure and notes on the type and size of your furniture A tape measure and notes on the type and size of your furniture[image] Other: __________________________________________________ Other: __________________________________________________

First-Look Home Inspection Checklist Here's what to look for in your initial house visit, and why it's important to take a special look at these items. Jot down your findings on the little form that follows.[image]Examine the roof. If the roofline is sagging, be prepared for foundation problems. Ask how old the roof is. A roof ten years old or older will probably need replacing soon, a $10,000-plus job. Loose, curling, or missing tiles or shingles also indicate a new roof is needed, as do shafts of light in the attic. Complex roofs with lots of gables, intersecting surfaces, and multiple roofing materials are difficult to maintain and expensive to replace. If the roofline is sagging, be prepared for foundation problems. Ask how old the roof is. A roof ten years old or older will probably need replacing soon, a $10,000-plus job. Loose, curling, or missing tiles or shingles also indicate a new roof is needed, as do shafts of light in the attic. Complex roofs with lots of gables, intersecting surfaces, and multiple roofing materials are difficult to maintain and expensive to replace.[image]Listen for squeaks when you walk. Squeaks are caused by loose nails, often loosened by sagging or movement in the structure, which may mean settling problems. Squeaks are caused by loose nails, often loosened by sagging or movement in the structure, which may mean settling problems.[image]Take cues from your feet. They'll tell you whether the flooring feels unstable, or the house has started to settle unevenly. As you walk up stairs, make sure the heights feel uniform. And step close to the toilet and tub. If the floor feels soft, leakage may be occurring, possibly caused by the owner's failure to change the seals on the toilet or caulk the wall tiles. They'll tell you whether the flooring feels unstable, or the house has started to settle unevenly. As you walk up stairs, make sure the heights feel uniform. And step close to the toilet and tub. If the floor feels soft, leakage may be occurring, possibly caused by the owner's failure to change the seals on the toilet or caulk the wall tiles.[image]Use your nose. At worst, fusty odors or your sudden sniffling may mean a mold problem. Other odors, such as cat urine or cigarette smoke, are also a bother to get rid of and reduce the value of the house. (Or maybe you'll just smell a lot of air freshener, which should make you wonder what's being covered up.) At worst, fusty odors or your sudden sniffling may mean a mold problem. Other odors, such as cat urine or cigarette smoke, are also a bother to get rid of and reduce the value of the house. (Or maybe you'll just smell a lot of air freshener, which should make you wonder what's being covered up.)[image]Turn on the faucets. What does the water look like? If you see rust particles or discoloration, the pipes may be rusted, and need replacement. What do you hear? Knocking sounds may mean old, leak-prone pipes. Try turning the faucet to its maximum. If the underlying problem turns out to be low water pressure, this is tough to solve-but should be fixed if you plan on enjoying your showers. Also make sure the hot water arrives within a reasonable length of time. What does the water look like? If you see rust particles or discoloration, the pipes may be rusted, and need replacement. What do you hear? Knocking sounds may mean old, leak-prone pipes. Try turning the faucet to its maximum. If the underlying problem turns out to be low water pressure, this is tough to solve-but should be fixed if you plan on enjoying your showers. Also make sure the hot water arrives within a reasonable length of time.[image]Open windows and doors. If you can't do so easily, that too may be a repair issue. If you can't do so easily, that too may be a repair issue.[image]Look for signs of water damage. Look for stains or puddles on the ceiling, around the window frames, by the water heater, under the sink, and all over the floor of the basement, if there is one. Not only are these repairs costly, but because of scares over toxic mold, they can make a house expensive to insure. Look for stains or puddles on the ceiling, around the window frames, by the water heater, under the sink, and all over the floor of the basement, if there is one. Not only are these repairs costly, but because of scares over toxic mold, they can make a house expensive to insure.[image]Find the electrical panel. Is it an old style one, small, and with fuses rather than circuit breakers? That's a several thousand dollar upgrade. If you suspect old wiring, look at the plugs near the bathroom and kitchen sinks. If they've been modernized at all, you'll see special plugs with little rectangular "TEST" and "RESET" buttons (these help protect you from water-related electrocution). Is it an old style one, small, and with fuses rather than circuit breakers? That's a several thousand dollar upgrade. If you suspect old wiring, look at the plugs near the bathroom and kitchen sinks. If they've been modernized at all, you'll see special plugs with little rectangular "TEST" and "RESET" buttons (these help protect you from water-related electrocution).[image]Take note of peeling paint. A paint job is an easy, cosmetic repair-but nevertheless can mean your paying someone several thousand dollars. And peeling paint can be especially problematic if it's old and lead-based or contains asbestos texturing material. A paint job is an easy, cosmetic repair-but nevertheless can mean your paying someone several thousand dollars. And peeling paint can be especially problematic if it's old and lead-based or contains asbestos texturing material.[image]Turn light switches on and off, or try turning on many lights and appliances at once. If the lights flicker, or the electricity goes, there may be a bad connection or a circuit overload. These aren't expensive fixes, but are safety priorities. If the lights flicker, or the electricity goes, there may be a bad connection or a circuit overload. These aren't expensive fixes, but are safety priorities.[image]Examine the appliances. Ask whether the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and other appliances come with the house. Then look to see whether they add value or will require a trip to the dump. Test to make sure they're functional; open the refrigerator door, and light the stove's burners. Ask whether the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and other appliances come with the house. Then look to see whether they add value or will require a trip to the dump. Test to make sure they're functional; open the refrigerator door, and light the stove's burners.[image]Ask whether the house has a furnace or air conditioner. You'd be surprised at how many houses still operate on small units that work in only a few rooms. Ask that the furnace or A/C be turned on. You'd be surprised at how many houses still operate on small units that work in only a few rooms. Ask that the furnace or A/C be turned on.[image]Look for unprofessional repairs or upgrades. If the house has been in the hands of unqualified do-it-yourselfers, some work may have to be redone. If the house has been in the hands of unqualified do-it-yourselfers, some work may have to be redone.

California Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement

California Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement

Cobuyer Discussion Worksheet To make sure you will be compatible, discuss the following issues before buying a place with someone else. Add anything else important to this list-for example, whether or not you want a dog or cat. Jot down your notes and then draft a co-ownership agreement (with an attorney's help or with one of the contracts in Living Together: A Legal Guide for Unmarried Couples Living Together: A Legal Guide for Unmarried Couples, by Toni Ihara, Ralph Warner, and Frederick Hertz (Nolo)).[image] How long you plan to stay in the house (and possible reasons that this may change, like moving to take care of an ill parent or getting married). How long you plan to stay in the house (and possible reasons that this may change, like moving to take care of an ill parent or getting married).[image] How you'll each be able to afford mortgage payments and carrying costs, and what happens if one of you falls on hard times. How you'll each be able to afford mortgage payments and carrying costs, and what happens if one of you falls on hard times.[image] Rules for sharing space (for example, cleaning up, dividing the costs of utilities and house supplies, limiting music volume levels, and overnight guests (short- or long-term)). Rules for sharing space (for example, cleaning up, dividing the costs of utilities and house supplies, limiting music volume levels, and overnight guests (short- or long-term)).[image] How nicely decorated the house should be, and how you'll budget for decorating. How nicely decorated the house should be, and how you'll budget for decorating.[image] How much of the property each of you will own, and how you will take title. How much of the property each of you will own, and how you will take title.[image] What will happen if one of you dies-for example, whether the deceased's interest in the house will go directly to the other owner, or go to an heir. What will happen if one of you dies-for example, whether the deceased's interest in the house will go directly to the other owner, or go to an heir.[image] What will happen if one of you wants to move out or sell the house sooner than the other would like to. (Many buyers include what's called a "right of first refusal" in their co-ownership agreement, giving the nondeparting owner first crack at buying the other owner's share of the property, at a specified value, usually either the original purchase price or the currently appraised value.) What will happen if one of you wants to move out or sell the house sooner than the other would like to. (Many buyers include what's called a "right of first refusal" in their co-ownership agreement, giving the nondeparting owner first crack at buying the other owner's share of the property, at a specified value, usually either the original purchase price or the currently appraised value.)[image] How you will handle disputes. How you will handle disputes.

OTHER:.

Sample From Home Inspection Report, by Paul A. Rude ROOF, GUTTERS, AND ATTICMy roof inspection is limited to a visual evaluation of the overall condition. I do not guarantee that the roof will not leak. Roof leaks are commonly due to defects that are concealed by the roofing surface. Identification of leaks typically requires testing or removal of roofing materials, which are beyond the scope of my inspection.RoofingThe roofing is of modified bitumen. This is a petroleum-based material applied in sheets sealed at the edges with heat. I used a ladder to reach the roof and walked on the surface.I was told that the roofing was installed about seven years ago, which is consistent with the appearance. It shows moderate wear. This type of roofing may last from 10 to 20 years, depending on environmental conditions and the quality of installation. I offer no warranty as to the remaining service life.The roofing is wrinkled and loose from the sheathing at the left front corner. This usually indicates an installation defect. These areas should be checked regularly in routine maintenance, and may need repair sooner than the rest of the roof.The roofing has a reflective coating to reduce deterioration due to sunlight. This coating is worn. I recommend that a qualified roofer apply a new coat. Depending on the material used, it will probably need to be renewed every few years to achieve the maximum useful life from the roofing. There are several trees near the roof. Plants touching the roofing can damage it, and leaves on the roof hold water, increasing the chance of leaks. I recommend that you keep trees and other plants trimmed away from the roof.All roofs require routine maintenance and occasional repairs. You should have a roofer examine the roof periodically and perform any repairs required to keep it waterproof and extend the service life. After initial repairs and maintenance, a maintenance check every two or three years should be adequate. As the roof ages, maintenance will be needed more often.FlashingsEdges, openings, and intersections in a roof should be protected by transition pieces called "flashings," usually made of metal. Visible portions of the flashings appear to meet generally accepted standards. Much of the flashing material is concealed by the roofing, siding, and other surfaces.Part of the tile liner for a "patent" flue that once served a kitchen range has been removed at the rear. The metal shroud for the flue is still in place but it is not weatherproof; rain could blow into it, resulting in leaks. I recommend that a roofer modify it as needed to prevent leaks.Roof DrainageThe main roof has a single drain opening through the parapet wall to a downspout at the right rear. There is a second opening for the small roof area above the front porch.The drain opening is small and could easily be clogged with leaves. I recommend that it be cleared regularly as needed and the downspout flushed with a hose to ensure it is not clogged.Homeowners' Insurance TerminologyHere's a quick guide to some of the key terms you'll encounter when dealing with homeowners' insurance issues: * * Actual cash value. Actual cash value. A way of calculating how much damages an insured homeowner suffered that takes the replacement value of the damaged property and subtracts out depreciation, or the degree by which it has worn down from a new structure. A way of calculating how much damages an insured homeowner suffered that takes the replacement value of the damaged property and subtracts out depreciation, or the degree by which it has worn down from a new structure.* Burglary and theft insurance. Burglary and theft insurance. A part of standard homeowners' insurance, covering property losses due to burglary, robbery, or larceny. A part of standard homeowners' insurance, covering property losses due to burglary, robbery, or larceny.* Deductible. Deductible. The amount of loss that you must pay for before your insurance company kicks in with coverage. The deductible may be calculated either as a specific dollar limit, a percentage of the amount of your claim, or an amount of time that must go by. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium. The amount of loss that you must pay for before your insurance company kicks in with coverage. The deductible may be calculated either as a specific dollar limit, a percentage of the amount of your claim, or an amount of time that must go by. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium.* Earthquake insurance. Earthquake insurance. A special policy or endorsement that covers a building and its contents against earthquake damage. It usually comes with a large, percentage-based deductible. (Earthquakes aren't covered by standard homeowners' policies.) A special policy or endorsement that covers a building and its contents against earthquake damage. It usually comes with a large, percentage-based deductible. (Earthquakes aren't covered by standard homeowners' policies.)* Endorsement. Endorsement. A form that's literally attached to your policy that changes or adds to its coverage, terms, or conditions. For example, you might buy an endorsement adding coverage for jewelry that's worth more than your policy limits. A form that's literally attached to your policy that changes or adds to its coverage, terms, or conditions. For example, you might buy an endorsement adding coverage for jewelry that's worth more than your policy limits.* Exclusion. Exclusion. A statement in your policy explaining that your coverage doesn't include certain specified risks, people, types of property, or locations. A statement in your policy explaining that your coverage doesn't include certain specified risks, people, types of property, or locations.* Extended replacement cost coverage. Extended replacement cost coverage. See "Replacement cost coverage," below. See "Replacement cost coverage," below.* Flood insurance. Flood insurance. Flood damage isn't covered by standard homeowners' policies, but coverage is available from the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP"). You can access it through licensed insurance agents. Flood damage isn't covered by standard homeowners' policies, but coverage is available from the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP"). You can access it through licensed insurance agents.* Guaranteed replacement cost coverage. Guaranteed replacement cost coverage. This hard-to-find coverage offers you payment for the entire cost of replacing or repairing your damaged or destroyed home. This hard-to-find coverage offers you payment for the entire cost of replacing or repairing your damaged or destroyed home.* Homeowners' insurance. Homeowners' insurance. This is actually what's known as a "package policy," because it combines several types of coverage. Your house, garage, and other structures, as well as your personal possessions within the house (such as furniture, appliances, and clothing), are covered against such hazards as fire, wind, and theft. Your living expenses are covered if you have to wait for the house to be rebuilt after a disaster. And most policies also include a liability portion, covering you for the medical costs and other damages to people who are accidentally injured or have their own property damaged while at your house or on your property or by members of your household. This is actually what's known as a "package policy," because it combines several types of coverage. Your house, garage, and other structures, as well as your personal possessions within the house (such as furniture, appliances, and clothing), are covered against such hazards as fire, wind, and theft. Your living expenses are covered if you have to wait for the house to be rebuilt after a disaster. And most policies also include a liability portion, covering you for the medical costs and other damages to people who are accidentally injured or have their own property damaged while at your house or on your property or by members of your household.* Hazard insurance. Hazard insurance. The portion of your homeowner's policy dealing with physical damage to your house and property, rather than your liability for others' injuries. The portion of your homeowner's policy dealing with physical damage to your house and property, rather than your liability for others' injuries.* Inflation guard. Inflation guard. A clause that you can add to your homeowners' policy saying that each time the policy is renewed, you'll get an automatic raise to the payment limit for construction costs. The idea, as the name suggests, is to track inflation-but since the percentage is set in advance, it doesn't necessarily do so accurately. A clause that you can add to your homeowners' policy saying that each time the policy is renewed, you'll get an automatic raise to the payment limit for construction costs. The idea, as the name suggests, is to track inflation-but since the percentage is set in advance, it doesn't necessarily do so accurately.* Liability insurance. Liability insurance. If someone from outside your household comes to your property and suffers accidental bodily injury or property damage, this covers the injured person's medical bills and your legal obligations if you're sued. (If you intentionally or recklessly cause the person harm, however, there's no coverage.) If someone from outside your household comes to your property and suffers accidental bodily injury or property damage, this covers the injured person's medical bills and your legal obligations if you're sued. (If you intentionally or recklessly cause the person harm, however, there's no coverage.)* Loss of use coverage. Loss of use coverage. A policy provision that pays you back for the cost of living elsewhere while your house is being restored after a disaster (minus the amount you would have spent to live at home). A policy provision that pays you back for the cost of living elsewhere while your house is being restored after a disaster (minus the amount you would have spent to live at home).* Premium. Premium. The amount you pay to your insurance company, usually once a year, in order to buy and maintain your coverage. The amount you pay to your insurance company, usually once a year, in order to buy and maintain your coverage.* Replacement cost coverage. Replacement cost coverage. Unlike guaranteed replacement cost coverage, ordinary replacement cost coverage places a dollar limit on the amount you'll receive to replace your damaged personal property or dwelling (with no deduction for depreciation). For a slightly better deal, you can get "extended replacement cost coverage," which pays a certain amount above the policy limit, usually 120% or 125%. Unlike guaranteed replacement cost coverage, ordinary replacement cost coverage places a dollar limit on the amount you'll receive to replace your damaged personal property or dwelling (with no deduction for depreciation). For a slightly better deal, you can get "extended replacement cost coverage," which pays a certain amount above the policy limit, usually 120% or 125%.* Ordinance or law coverage. Ordinance or law coverage. An endorsement to your homeowners' policy that pays for extra rebuilding expenses caused by your need to comply with ordinances or laws, often building codes, that didn't exist when your house was first built. A common example is that old copper wiring may need to be updated to whatever material the current law requires. An endorsement to your homeowners' policy that pays for extra rebuilding expenses caused by your need to comply with ordinances or laws, often building codes, that didn't exist when your house was first built. A common example is that old copper wiring may need to be updated to whatever material the current law requires.

Final Walk-Through Checklist (Existing Home) Use this checklist to walk through the house and make sure everything is in good order or repair. You'll want to make sure that the seller has made any agreed-upon repairs, left behind all fixtures or other agreed-upon property, and left the place clean and trash-free. Add any other relevant items (inside and outside) or questions you may have (such as the name of the architect who did a recent kitchen remodel) to the list. Note any problems and try to work them out with the seller before the closing. If the seller agrees to do additional work or repairs, be sure to get the details in writing, including how the costs will be paid.[image] The keys fit in the locks, keys have been provided for every door, and you know how to use them. The keys fit in the locks, keys have been provided for every door, and you know how to use them.[image] The lights and fans work when you turn switches on and off. The lights and fans work when you turn switches on and off.[image] The doorbell rings. The doorbell rings.[image] The alarm or security system works, and the seller has left the company's contact information and any entry codes and remotes. The alarm or security system works, and the seller has left the company's contact information and any entry codes and remotes.[image] The faucets turn on, no leaks are evident under or around the sinks, and all toilets flush. The faucets turn on, no leaks are evident under or around the sinks, and all toilets flush.[image] The stove, oven, refrigerator, garbage disposal, dishwasher, microwave, and other appliances work. The stove, oven, refrigerator, garbage disposal, dishwasher, microwave, and other appliances work.[image] The garage door opener works, and the seller has left the remote. The garage door opener works, and the seller has left the remote.[image] The ceilings, wall, and floors are in the condition you expected. The ceilings, wall, and floors are in the condition you expected.[image] The heating and air conditioning work. The heating and air conditioning work.[image] The windows all open and close. The windows all open and close.[image] The sump pump, if there is one, works (to turn it on, you'll normally need to fill the pit with water). The sump pump, if there is one, works (to turn it on, you'll normally need to fill the pit with water).[image] None of the seller's trash or personal items remain in the house, garage, attic, basement, yard, or refrigerator. None of the seller's trash or personal items remain in the house, garage, attic, basement, yard, or refrigerator.[image] The seller has left you any brochures or warranties regarding the furnace, appliances, and other fixtures. The seller has left you any brochures or warranties regarding the furnace, appliances, and other fixtures.[image] Other. Other.

NOTES:.

Final Walk-Through Checklist (New Home) Use this checklist to walk through your new house and make sure everything inside and out (from flooring to landscaping) has been finished and is in good shape. Then, create a punch list of what remains to be done. Work out with the developer how and when needed changes will be made and how this will affect your closing date.[image] Construction and finishing work is complete, with no missing trim, hardware, or paint, no exposed wires, and all water gutters pointed away from the house. Construction and finishing work is complete, with no missing trim, hardware, or paint, no exposed wires, and all water gutters pointed away from the house.[image] The landscaping is complete, with grading sloped away from the foundation (no trenches right next to the house). All agreed-upon trees have been planted (often the last thing to be done). The landscaping is complete, with grading sloped away from the foundation (no trenches right next to the house). All agreed-upon trees have been planted (often the last thing to be done).[image] No damage, scrapes, or gouges are visible on counters, walls, floors, appliances, or other surfaces. No damage, scrapes, or gouges are visible on counters, walls, floors, appliances, or other surfaces.[image] All fixtures, carpets, and appliances are the ones you specified. All fixtures, carpets, and appliances are the ones you specified.[image] The keys fit in the locks, keys have been provided for every door, and you know how to use them. The keys fit in the locks, keys have been provided for every door, and you know how to use them.[image] The lights and fans work when you turn switches on and off. The lights and fans work when you turn switches on and off.[image] The faucets turn on, no leaks are evident under or around the sinks, and all toilets flush. The faucets turn on, no leaks are evident under or around the sinks, and all toilets flush.[image] The stove, oven, refrigerator, garbage disposal, dishwasher, microwave, and all other appliances work. The stove, oven, refrigerator, garbage disposal, dishwasher, microwave, and all other appliances work.[image] The garage door opener works. The garage door opener works.[image] The ceilings, wall, and floors are in the condition you expected. The ceilings, wall, and floors are in the condition you expected.[image] The heating and air conditioning work. The heating and air conditioning work.[image] The sump pump, if there is one, works (to turn it on, you'll normally need to fill the pit with water.) The sump pump, if there is one, works (to turn it on, you'll normally need to fill the pit with water.)[image] All windows open and close, and all doors and cabinet doors are hung correctly and open and close smoothly. All windows open and close, and all doors and cabinet doors are hung correctly and open and close smoothly.[image] Other. Other.

NOTES:.

Dream List Directions

The Dream List includes the more common features found in many homes, but you can add others to this list (perhaps a must-have hillside location with a view) or delete some features. Add as many details as you want in the left-hand column ("General Features"). At the end of the Dream List, there's a section for those things you absolutely will not accept, under any condition. There's also a section at the end for notes, such as comments about a particular house or neighborhood-something you want to be sure to remember, such as a quiet location at the end of a cul de sac.