Checklists Cover Every Detail About Buying

“Home Buyer’s Checklist” by Robert Irwin (McGraw-Hill, New York, 2001), $12.95, 208 pages.

You won’t find a more unusual real estate book than Robert Irwin’s new “Home Buyer’s Checklist.” It is printed sidewise, meaning the book must be read from the side, rather than from the top. But this innovative printing method makes it easy to view two pages of a home-buying checklist at once.

Except for the brief introduction, this special book consists of dozens of yes or no checklist questions on topics that buyers should consider when they find a home worth purchasing. Irwin, who has written 30 other superb real estate books (and one dud), weaves in advice on what to look for--and what to avoid.

Some of the checklist topics are extremely detailed, such as whether all the window and door hardware works and how the carpet feels. Some buyers will probably insist on answering every question on a contemplated house purchase. That will drive the agent and seller crazy. Instead, buyers should use this as a general reminder of what to check as the home is inspected for possible purchase.

Irwin advises home purchasers not to expect sellers to fully disclose all known defects. He recommends all buyers make their purchase offers contingent on a satisfactory professional home inspection. But the author warns buyers they should accompany their inspector to ask questions about any undisclosed defects discovered via the checklist.

All buyers should study this book before beginning the home-purchase quest. After reviewing this well-organized, comprehensive book, which shouldn’t take more than an hour or two to read, buyers will feel confident inspecting homes for possible purchase. This detailed home-purchase checklist was much needed. The excellent glossary defines most terms buyers need to know.