Insuring Your Home

STEP 9: Do your Due Diligence

• Find a reputable and thorough home inspector, if you need suggestions ask your agent.
• A good home inspector will help to ensure that you don’t end up in a “money pit,” for example, a property with lots of electricity, plumbing or foundation issues.
• An inspector will also report any issues found with the home that will allow you to ask for repairs during negotiations.
• If work is needed to be done on the property, strategize with your agent to submit a request for repairs or offer adjustment.
• Review disclosures and paperwork with your agent.
• If you will be making any additions or construction to the property, such as adding a pool or a guest house, check with the city building department to ensure zoning allows for those upgrades.
• Review title report with title representative and agent to ensure that there are no unknown easements or liens on the property.

STEP 10: Arrange for Homeowner’s Insurance

• Search for a homeowner’s insurance policy with great coverage at a reasonable cost. Ask your lender for suggestions if necessary.
• Some lenders require a year’s worth of homeowner’s insurance up front before approving a mortgage