Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home (88 page)

Attorney Reference Questionnaire

 

Here’s what to ask the attorney references. You can add any other questions that interest you—for example, if you’re seeking a particular type of legal help, such as with buying a co-op.

Name of attorney:

Name of reference:

Date:

1. How did you choose the attorney?

 

 

 

2. Did you know the attorney before you worked together?

 

 

 

3. What kind of legal services did the attorney provide?

 

 

4. Was the attorney responsive? Did the attorney return calls and emails promptly, follow through on promises, and meet deadlines?

 

 

5. How long did you work together?

 

 

6. Are you happy with the attorney’s services?

 

 

7. Did the attorney keep you up to date, and explain everything in terms you understood?

 

 

8. Would you work with the attorney again?

 

 

OTHER COMMENTS:

Home Inspector Interview Questionnaire

 

Ask potential inspectors the following questions, as well as anything specific to your situation, like whether the inspector has experience with historic or remodeled properties:

Name of inspector and contact information (phone, email, etc.):

Date of conversation:

1. Do you work full time as a home inspector?

 

 

 

2. How long have you been in the home inspection business?

 

 

 

3. Are you affiliated with ASHI?

 

 

4. How many home inspections have you done in the past year in this area?

 

 

5. What kind of inspection report do you provide? Can I see an example?

 

 

6. Do you have current, active liability insurance?

 

 

7. What did you do before you were a home inspector?

 

 

8. Can I accompany you on the inspection? Can I take photos or videos?

 

 

9. Can you provide at least three names of recent clients who’ll serve as references?

NOTES:

 

 

 

Best Answers:

1. Yes.

2. The longer the better, but at least two years.

3. Only acceptable answer is “Yes.” ASHI is the national organization with the most stringent professional standards.

4. Should be a minimum of 15.

5. Many inspectors have sample reports on their websites; you want as comprehensive report as possible, versus a short checklist. And you definitely want to see a sample report if there isn’t one on the inspector’s website.

6. Only acceptable answer is “Yes.” Be sure to ask for a certificate of this compliance.

7. Only acceptable answer is a building-related position, such as a contractor or building inspector.

8. Only acceptable is “Yes” to the question of whether you can accompany the inspector. But whether you’ll be permitted to take photos or videos is a matter of the inspector’s own preference.

9. Only acceptable answer is “Yes.”

 

Home Inspector Reference Questionnaire

 

Here’s what to ask the inspector’s references:

Name of inspector:

Name of reference:

Date:

1. How did you choose the inspector?

 

 

 

2. Did you know the inspector before you worked together?

 

 

 

3. What kind of inspection did you get and how much did it cost?

 

 

4. Was the inspector responsive? Did the inspector return calls and emails promptly, follow through on promises, and meet deadlines?

 

 

5. Did the inspector take the time to explain everything to you?

 

 

6. Did you go along on the inspection? If not, why not? If so, how long did it take?

 

 

7. What kind of report did you get?

 

 

8. Are you happy with the home inspection services and report you got?

 

 

9. Did the inspector keep you up to date, and explain everything in terms you understood?

 

 

10. Would you work with the inspector again?

 

 

OTHER COMMENTS:

House Visit Checklist

Take the following items when you’re visiting houses, and add anything else you think is important, such as paint chips.

Forms from this book, including:

Dream List

Questions for the Seller Checklist

Condo/Co-op Worksheet (if relevant)

First-Look Home Inspection Checklist

 

A pen and paper, for taking notes (clipboard optional)

Binoculars (handy for examining the roof)

A camera or camcorder, preferably digital, to remind yourself of what you saw (such as color of bathroom tile, landscaping, light fixtures)

A tape measure and notes on the type and size of your furniture

Other: __________________________________________________