Boston Home Inspectors realizes the importance to the Buyer of obtaining all of the information needed to make an informed buying decision. Therefore, we have put together a series of questions for the Buyer to assist them with the purchase in making a well-informed decision as to the property's condition, desirability and value before entering into a binding contract. These questions are intended to supplement, but not replace, information about a property that a purchaser can obtain from a careful property inspection and from public records.
The Property Conditions Questions asks a series of questions covering four main categories including ownership, location, structure and systems. Boston Home Inspectors recommends for a seller to consult with an attorney prior to completing the property conditions questions because of the potential for liability for a seller based on the property condition question's representations.
OWNERSHIP
1. Who is the legal owner of the property?
2. How long have you owned the property?
3. How long have you occupied the property?
4. Is the property rented or has it been rented in the past?
5. Has a rental agreement renewal or option to purchase been promised?
6. Are security deposits or prepaid rents being held? By whom and how much?
7. Is the property part of a condominium, homeowners' association or other common ownership or is it subject to covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R's) of a homeowner's association?
8. Are there any electric or gas utility surcharges for line extensions, special assessments or homeowner or other association fees that apply or are proposed to or for the property?
9. Are there any features of the property shared in common with adjoining landowners or a homeowner's association, such as walls, fences or driveways?
10. Are there any defects, damage, or problems with any common element or common areas which could affect their value or desirability?
11. Is the property on a private road? Is there a road maintenance agreement?
12. Have you entered into an agreement to transfer your interest in the property in any way?
13. Has anyone denied you access to the property or made a formal legal claim challenging your title to the property?
14. Does anybody other than yourself have a lease, easement or any other right to use or occupy any part of your property other than those stated documents available in the public record, such as rights to use a road or path or cut trees or crops?
15. Are there any title problems (for example, easements, use restrictions, lot line disputes, encroachments, access)?
16. Are there any liens against the property?
17. Is there any pending or anticipated legal disputes regarding the property?
18. Are there any zoning problems/violations/variances or conditional use permits on this property?
19. Are there certificate of occupancy related to the property?
LOCATION
20. Is any of the property located in a designated flood zone, wetland area or agricultural district?
21. Is there any flooding, drainage, or grading problems that resulted in standing water on any portion of the property? Has the property ever been flooded?
22. Do you know of any sliding, settling, earth movement, upheaval or earth stability problems that have occurred on the property or in the immediate neighborhood?
23. Is any portion of the property situated on or near a landfill?
24. Are there or have there ever had been fuel storage tanks above or below the ground on the property?
25. Has there ever been a leak in any fuel storage tanks?
26. Has motor fuel, motor oil, home heating fuel, lubricating oil or any other petroleum product, methane gas, or any hazardous or toxic substance spilled, leaked or otherwise been released on the property or from the property onto any other property?
27. Are there any hazards or hazardous material on the property, such as asbestos, dumps, pesticides, radon, lead-based paint?
28. Are there any hazards or hazardous material in close proximity to the property, such as asbestos, dumps, pesticides, radon, lead-based paint, fuel storage tanks above or below the ground?
29. Is the property subject to any current or proposed noises, such as airports, freeways, or rail lines?
30. Are there any neighborhood odors, noises, nuisances or pollutants?
31. Are you aware of any condition or proposed change in your neighborhood that could adversely affect the value or desirability of the property?
32. Has the property been tested for the presence of any hazardous or toxic substance?
33. Is the property within an area currently of environmental concern? (superfund or wetland area, WQARF or CERCLA sites, etc.)
34. Is there asbestos in the structure?
35. Is lead piping present in the structure?
36. Has a radon test been performed?
STRUCTURE
37. What is the age of the structure or structures?
38. Is there any dry rot or water damage to the structure or structures?
39. Is there any fire or smoke damage to the structure or structures?
40. Is there, or has there ever been any, termite, insect, rodent or pest infestation, problems or damage?
41. Has the property been tested for any termite, insect, rodent or pest infestation, problems or damage?
42. Is there a wood infestation or termite warranty, is it transferable? Company name?
43. What is the type of roof covering? Any known material defects?
44. Are there or have there ever had been any roof leaks or other roof problems?
45. When as the roof last repaired and replaced?
46. Is there a transferable warrantee on the roof in effect now?
47. Does the basement have seepage that results in standing water?
48. Does the basement or crawl space become wet or damp?
49. Does the property have a sump pump? Any problems with the sump pump?
50. Have there been any repairs or other attempts to control any water or dampness problems or issues in the basement or crawl space?
51. Are you aware of any past or present movement, shifting, deterioration, or other problems with the walls, slab, foundation, driveways, walkways, decks or patios?
52. Are you aware of any past or present cracks or flaws in the walls or foundation?
53. Are there any known material defects in any of the following structural systems: footings, beams, girders, lintels, columns, or joists?
SYSTEMS
54. Are there any unheated and/or uncooled rooms?
55. Are there any problems with the heating or cooling system(s)? Date last serviced or repaired?
56. What is the water source? (well, private, municipal)
57. Has the water quality and/or flow rate been tested?
58. If your drinking water if from a well, when was your water last checked for safety?
59. Any problems with the water quality or water pressure?
60. Do you have a water softener?
61. Are there any plumbing problems?
62. What is the type of sewage system? (public, private, septic, cesspool)
63. If septic or cesspool, age? Date last pumped? Frequency of pumping? Any maintenance agreements?
64. Do you know of any leaks, backups, or other problems relating to any of the plumbing, water, and sewage-related items?
65. What is the type of hot water? (gas, electric, oil, integrated with heating system)
66. Approximate age of hot water tank?
67. Is there a landscape watering system? (automatic timer, manual)
68. Are there any problems with the landscape watering system?
69. Are there any problems with the pool, hot tub, spa, sauna or their mechanical systems?
70. Are there any chimney or fireplace problems? Date chimney or fireplace last cleaned?
71. Is the wood/coal burning stove in compliance with local regulations? 72. Who is your electrical service provider?
73. What is the amperage? Circuit breakers or fuses? Private or public poles?
74. Any known material defects in the electrical system?
75. Are there any known material defects with the security system, carbon monoxide detectors or smoke detectors?
76. Have you or others made any additions, structural changes, or other alterations to the property?
77. If yes, did you obtain all the necessary permits and approvals and was all work in compliance with building codes? Was the work completed?
78. Are there any interior wall/ceiling/door/window/floor problems?
79. Are there any systems or appliances that are not in good working order?
80. Are there any existing leased equipment or systems?
81. Are there any obstructions to door or window openings?
82. Are any of the items listed below included in the sale of the property? Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave Oven, Dishwasher, Trash Compactor, Disposal, Washer, Dryer, Humidifier, TV Antenna, TV Dish, Central Vacuum, Electric Garage Door Opener, Number of Transmitters, Security Alarm System, Lawn Sprinklers, Automatic Timers, Swimming Pool, Pool Heater, Spa, Hot Tub, Pool Equipment, Well & Pump, Solar Heating Systems, Wood Burning Systems, Electronic Air Filter, Intercom, Ceiling Fans, Draperies, Light Fixtures, Other.
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