PROPERTY PURCHASER'S GUIDELINES

WE WANT TO HELP YOU have a satisfactory transaction as well as future enjoyment and benefit from the property, so these are some items for you to be aware of and to consider before making an offer to purchase. BECAUSE REAL ESTATE IS AN INVESTMENT that has certain risks and unknowns, you, the BUYER, SHOULD CONSIDER these items before a completing a transaction. It is important that you obtain PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERT ADVICE in areas where you wish to eliminate risks and items you are uncertain about.

1.     WHAT IS "ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS"? Your signature on the official form shows that the real estate agent has complied with the law. Your signature on the form does not obligate you to work with a particular agent. It simply confirms in writing that you know who the agent is representing. The law allows agents to represent the buyer, the seller, or both through an "In House" transaction.

2.     RURAL HOMES GENERALLY HAVE WELLS AND SEPTIC SYSTEMS. They may be operating well, but they can and do fail; you may want tests and / or inspections.

3.     INSULATION AND OTHER UNSEEN ITEMS OF CONSTRUCTION have to be accepted upon your inspection, or upon your obtaining a professional's opinion.

4.     SQUARE FOOTAGE has many ways of being figured. There is no standard for determining. Therefore, any measurements given are approximate, and you need to satisfy yourself that the home meets your needs.

5.     EXACT PROPERTY LINES can be determined only by a survey. The broker cannot guarantee the lines, so if you are concerned about the exact lines, you need to obtain a survey. Fences may or may not be on property lines.

6.     YOU need to be sure that ZONING, PERMITS and ACCESSES corresponds with your requirements for your intended use of the property.

7.     WHAT A PROPERTY OWNER DOES WITH THEIR OWN PROPERTY can affect not only the value on that property, but the neighbors property also. A well improved property enhances the value of the neighborhood, while negative activities can harm the value of a neighborhood. A PURCHASER NEEDS to understand that what is done with adjoining property and neighborhood is a risk that goes with property ownership.

8.     APPLIANCES, WATER HEATERS, EQUIPMENT, etc... do fail or need repairs, and (except for transferred warranties) are the purchaser's responsibility after closing.

9.     There are items that may be HAZARDOUS such as lead paint, asbestos, arsenic in well water, etc... that you may want information on or have professional advice or inspections.

10.    Market conditions do change, so buy what YOU can afford and you will have the best potential for future enjoyment and potential profit. Although historically property increases in value, markets change and other factors can affect property values so profits cannot be guaranteed.