Read your reports

The day you get them

Understanding your reports is the best way to protect your investment. Take your time with each one.

• Home inspection report. Highlights the most important items and lists the home's styles and materials. Start with the summary, then read the full report.
• Termite report. Covers defects, conducive conditions, and your 1-year termite warranty through Firehouse Pest Control. More at firehousepest.com.
• Mold testing. If you ordered it, results are emailed separately within 48 hours.

Get estimates from licensed contractors

Right away, while your inspection period is open

If we found items that need repair or a closer look, get prices now. Your inspection period goes fast. In Arizona it's often 10 days, so check your contract.

• Start with the list of trusted contractors included with your inspection documents.
• Get written estimates for big items like the roof, AC, plumbing, electrical, and pool. Two or three quotes on anything expensive helps.
• Book specialists for anything we recommended for further evaluation, like a roofer or HVAC technician.
• Check that each contractor is licensed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

Decide what to ask the seller for

Before your inspection period ends

In Arizona, your agent sends the seller a BINSR (Buyer's Inspection Notice and Seller's Response). It lists what you're asking for, and the seller answers on the same form.

• You can ask for repairs, a credit, or a lower price. Your agent can help you decide which makes sense.
• Put safety items and expensive systems first. Small cosmetic items rarely belong on the list.
• Ask that repairs be done by licensed contractors, with receipts and warranties given to you before closing.
• Keep a copy of the final BINSR. You'll use it at your final walk-through.

Check out the neighborhood

Any time before closing

The house is only part of the picture. A few visits tell you things a showing won't.

• Drive by on a weeknight, on a weekend, and during your commute hours.
• Listen for noise from freeways, rail lines, and flight paths. In the East Valley, check the routes for Sky Harbor and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway.
• Talk to a neighbor or two about the street, the HOA, and anything they've had trouble with.
• Read the HOA rules and fees, including anything about parking, RVs, solar, and paint colors.
• Look up the flood zone on FEMA's flood map and check the city's zoning maps for empty lots nearby.
• Check school boundaries, crime maps, and cell signal at the house.

Get ready to move in

The weeks before closing

• Get homeowners insurance quotes early. The roof's age and type can change your rate.
• Set up utilities in your name: electric (SRP or APS in most of the Valley), gas, water, trash, and internet.
• Ask the seller to leave manuals, warranties, leftover paint, garage remotes, and gate codes.
• Buying new construction? Book an 11-month warranty inspection so problems get fixed before the builder warranty ends.