Lake Tahoe - Truckee, CA Real Estate for Sale

Using a Tahoe Property Check List | Buyer

Using a Tahoe Property Check List | Buyer

Using a Tahoe Property Check List | Buyer

When searching for a Tahoe home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with information and to forget the details of each particular home you’ve viewed – that’s why I’ve created this list to help you keep track of all the information you need to help you in this important decision.

When you view a Tahoe home, keep in mind this checklist:

  • Is there enough room for both the present and the future?
  • Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?
  • Does it have a garage?
  • Is there enough off-street parking for the winter months when parking isn’t allowed on the street?
  • Is the house structurally sound?
  • Do the mechanical systems and appliances work?
  • Are you comfortable with a home where all of the work done on it has not been permitted.  If you’re not, be sure and let your Tahoe agent know right away.  Newer construction may be the best fit for you from a permitted work stand point.
  • Do you want a newer construction home, or a home that has a newer construction floor plan and look to it?
  • Is the lot big enough?
  • Do you want a lawn?
  • Do you like the floor plan?
  • Can you live with a reverse floor plan?
  • Is there at least one bedroom on the floor with the kitchen and living room area that would provide single floor living once inside the home?
  • Do you need all single floor living?
  • Do you need a bonus room, or loft area that could act as an extra sleeping area?
  • Will my furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? (Bring a tape measure to better answer these questions.)
  • Does anything need to repaired or replaced? Will the seller repair or replace the items?
  • Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you be happy with it year ’round?
  • How steep is the driveway?  Will this be a problem in the winter?
  • How does the snow shed off the roof?  Will it create entering and exit problems?  Will I have to shovel snow to get to the door?
  • Is there a bear box (secure storage for garbage)?
  • Have the BMP’s (Best Management Practices) been done?
  • Are there dead trees, or defensive space work that needs to be done?
  • What is the water supply – public utility, private water company, shared water well, or private water well.
  • What is the heating source – natural gas, propane gas, electric, solar, or oil?
  • Is there a mandatory Home Owners Association (HOA) group and what services do they provide?  Do they provide recreational amenities such as access to a private beach area, a buoy rental option, shared pier use, pool, tennis courts, or BBQ area?
  • Are you okay living in a known area for avalanches?
  • Do you need a ski-in/ski out area?
  • Do you want to live on a golf course?
  • Do you want to live on the lake?
  • Do you want a lake view?
  • Do you want to live near the bike path?
  • Do you want a home that backs to open space?
  • Do you need acreage?
  • Do you want to be in the Lake Tahoe Basin, or in the greater Truckee area?
  • Take your time and think carefully about each house you see. Ask your Tahoe agent to point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint.
  • There isn’t a set number of houses you should see before you decide. Just be sure to communicate often with your Tahoe agent about everything you’re looking for. It will help focus the search.
  • Take detailed notes, take pictures, and make a video – anything to help you remember as much as you can. (Be sure to first secure the permission of the owner before photographing or taking video, though.)  When you work with Laura Allen as your Buyers’ Agent she will provide you with a Tahoe Buyers’ package of information, which will include a print out of all of the Tahoe homes, or condos you will see that day, along with extra photos for each property before you leave the office and tour property.  You’ll be able to make notes and keep track of all of the homes you see in an organized manner.
  • If the owner or the owner’s agent is present during your viewing of the home, don’t say too much about your likes or dislikes.  Don’t let their presence run you off, or hurry your visit.  It may make you feel uncomfortable, but just ignore the extra bodies.  This is your time to see and really look at the home and property.
  • Which items require ongoing maintenance (paint, roof, heating and air conditioning systems, appliances, carpet)?
  • What about the neighborhood and the quality of life it affords?
  • Does the home’s style, features and amenities conform to the neighborhood?
  • Are there any potential problems with the home’s electrical or mechanical systems?
  • Does the home appear to have any structural problems?
  • Does the home appear to have any drainage or foundation problems?
  • You may not be able to answer the structural, or mechanical items from just viewing it, but your looking for obvious signs of a problem.  The seller may also have disclosed problems about the home, or had a home, or pest inspection done so it doesn’t hurt to ask.
  • As you start looking at properties, things may come up that you hadn’t thought to ask, now is the time to add those questions to your working check list.

Need more help in trying to figure out your Tahoe Home or Condo buying options? 

Do you want to learn more about the different neighborhoods, locations, developments and their amenities, HOA fees and the ones that will best meet your needs?  Call me at 530.414.1260 and I can help you find the right place to buy!

Overview and summary completed by:
Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260  | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.
Buyers and Sellers should investigate and verify all information to their own satisfaction.

Using a Tahoe Property Check List | Buyer