Look beyond the listing.
Gabriela Corazo | Opus Elite Real Estate

A beautiful kitchen cannot tell you how a home’s systems perform. Build time into your purchase plan to understand condition, recurring costs, and property-specific responsibilities.

Make inspection time count
Discuss the inspection scope with a qualified inspector. A general inspection does not cover every specialized system or guarantee future performance.
- Ask which systems are included, excluded, or inaccessible.
- Review the report for safety concerns, repair needs, and items requiring a specialist.
- Discuss findings and response deadlines with your agent before your contingency expires.

Check the property’s specific risks
Ask about radon testing, water intrusion, and any private water or septic systems. EPA provides guidance designed for real estate transactions.
- Ask for available radon results and any mitigation system information.
- Look up the address in FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and discuss coverage with an insurance professional.
- Ask for records of significant repairs, permits, and system servicing.

Understand how you can use the home
The current appearance of a property does not establish that a future project is permitted. Confirm your plans with the appropriate office or association.
- Ask the municipality about zoning, permits, and any transfer requirements.
- Review association documents, fees, restrictions, and responsibilities if applicable.
- Confirm property boundaries with appropriate records or a survey when needed.

DO
- Bring your intended use and renovation questions to the right professionals.
- Read the full inspection report, not just the summary.
- Get repair estimates for significant concerns.

DON’T
- Treat an appraisal as a substitute for a home inspection.
- Assume a map outside a high-risk zone means no flood risk.
- Rely on a listing photo to establish a boundary or permit status.

YOUR CHECKLIST
[ ] Choose an inspector and confirm scope
[ ] Review seller disclosures
[ ] Discuss radon testing
[ ] Check flood information and insurance
[ ] Confirm utilities and association obligations
[ ] Resolve inspection questions before the deadline

LOCAL NOTE
Older homes, river-adjacent properties, private utilities, and historic districts can call for different questions. Match your due diligence to the actual home.

SOURCES
EPA: Radon resources for buyers and sellers: https://www.epa.gov/radon/radon-resources-real-estate-community
FEMA: Search official flood maps by address: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
Pennsylvania: Seller property disclosure requirements: https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/secure/pacode/data/049/chapter35/s35.335a.html

Educational guidance; confirm transaction terms and property-specific advice with the appropriate professionals.
Gabriela@opuselitere.com | 215-992-4100