What a buyer should be doing during the home inspection period.

You have ordered your home inspection and other testing.  But before you get too comfortable – the home inspection period is your opportunity to not only have the home professionally inspected, but to also to complete your home inspection period buyer homework or “due diligence” before moving forward to purchase the home.

If you have not done so already, this is the time to check out the neighborhood, history of the home, schools, drive times to work, and any other issues important to you that may impact your future enjoyment of the home. While your agent can assist you with finding resources, it is important that you as the buyer investigate these items, because only you can decide if you are comfortable with the situation.

HOME INSPECTION PERIOD BUYER HOMEWORK

Local School Information – visit or call the local schools

Drive around the area and familiarize yourself with the homes surroundings. This is your opportunity to ask questions and gather information. Talk to neighbors.

Call the local police department or sheriff and ask for a "call report" or neighborhood crime activity

Call the city if you are planning to add an accessory building or make other major changes to the home - understand the regulations

Call the homeowners association if you have questions about rules

Links: 

Predatory Offender Search

Death in Home – in Minnesota a seller does not have a duty to disclose if there was a death or suicide in the home.  A murder does need to be disclosed.  If this is something that concerns you, the police “call report” may give you this information, otherwise there is a website called Diedinhouse.com that will give you that information for a small fee.

Crime Report Lookup (also contact the local authorities and ask for a "call report" specific to the home's address.)

Meth Lab Information

Radon Information

If you have any specific concerns contact your agent.