Step by Step List of Useful Due Diligence

Due diligence is useful, but each property and each buyer is different. Following is a list of due diligence we consider, in no particular order:

• Title –Hopefully you are using a title company. You want to ensure the title to every property you consider buying is clear. Also get title insurance on every property, no matter what. We use Bonneville Superior Title 801-365-0990.

• Appraisal – If you are getting a loan or mortgage on your property the lender will require this. If you are paying cash,it won’t be required but it is still highly recommended. We use Marty Bodell with Bodell Appraisers http://bodell.com/. Estimated Cost – $300-$500

• Square Footage Measurement – This is always included in an appraisal. However, if you are paying cash you will definitely want to get the house measured. It is not uncommon for the square footage to be recorded with the county inaccurately. Having your property measured could change the value of your deal significantly. We use Marty Bodell with Bodell Appraisers http://bodell.com/. Estimated Cost – $50-$100

• Foundation Inspection – If you see multiple cracks in drywall or exterior foundation, or if there is bulging concrete walls in the basement you will want to perform an inspection. We use Lynn Draper 801-792-4119. Estimated Cost -$150-$300.

• Sewer Line Scope – This is a useful inspection, especially in older areas where there are mature trees. We use Cliff Isaacs with Roto Rooter 801-972-2828. Estimated Cost – $175

• Property Inspection – This is the most basic inspection you will want to get on every home, every time. NOTE: Inspectors are not required to be licensed in the state of Utah, so do some research and make sure you hire someone who is known and reputable. Estimated Cost – $300-$600.

• RoofInspection – Although a general inspection may note if the roof looks good or not, they are not examining the roof for proper installation and lifetime expectancy. We always get our roofing contractor to take a quick look at our houses to make sure the roof is in good condition. Roof repair can be costly, and roof replacement is significant. We use Mike Bay 801-870-9744. Estimated Cost – Free

• ZoningUse – Make sure the home you are buying is zoned for what you intend to use it for. Contact the city or county office where the home is located. Estimated Cost – Free.

• Radon Test – Radon is a carcinogen. It is invisible and odorless. Ensure the safety of your properties by doing a simple radon test. If radon is detected, remedies are fairly inexpensive in most cases. To read more about radon go to http://www.epa.gov/radon

• Mold Test – Certain types of mold arehazardous. If you see mold, have the home tested. For more information visit http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html

• MethTest – Meth testing is worth the cost. Meth can cause a myriad of health concerns. For testing kits visit ALS Labhttp://www.alsglobal.com. Estimated Cost – $100-$150

• Home Back Ground Check – If you are considering a purchase in a less than desirable neighborhood, this is a simple and easy thing to do. Call local authorities that patrol the neighborhood and ask if they have record of any criminal activity in the home. Estimated Cost – Free

• FHA Approved Condo –There are certain rules that condo and townhome complexes must abide by. If the complex is not in compliance with these rules, FHA will not lend to anyone within that complex. These rules are things such as owner occupant ratios and reserve funds in the HOA. To check if a complex is FHA and HUD compliant visit https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm. Estimate Cost – Free

• WellInspection – If you are buying a home that uses a well as the primary water supply, please have it tested to make sure the water is drinkable. Estimated Cost – $150 – $250.

• Other – Other items you can look into are: Rental Use, Survey and Staking, Utility Service, Geologic Conditions, Flood Zone & Insurance, Housing Compliance, Property Taxes, Tax & Legal Consequences, and Sex Offenders List.

Written by The Muve Group. Edited by Officient, LLC