Buying a home in Garfield Heights: a due-diligence checklist

As codified through Aug 20, 2020; verify current rules with the City at garfieldhts.org. This is general information, not legal advice.

A practical checklist for buying in Garfield Heights. None of this replaces a lawyer, lender or licensed inspector.

1. Point-of-Sale certificate. Ask for the City's Certificate of Inspection or Certificate of Compliance (issued within a year). Read every listed violation and budget for the escrow if repairs won't be done before closing (Ch. 1313). How it works.
2. Private home inspection. The City list is about code; a private inspector looks at roof, furnace, sewer line, foundation and water.
3. Sewer lateral. Many homes here date to the 1920s–1950s. A camera inspection of the sewer line is inexpensive insurance.
4. Flood zone. Check the FEMA flood map (msc.fema.gov) — our report includes the zone at the parcel.
5. Taxes. Don't assume the seller's tax bill: homestead and owner-occupancy credits may not carry over to you. Estimate the tax.
6. Comparable sales. Look at sales on the same street and within half a mile in the last two years. Street pages show recent prices.
7. Zoning. U-1 is single-family, U-2 two-family. If you plan to rent a unit, confirm the use is allowed.
8. Exterior condition. The Exterior Property Maintenance Code (Ch. 1359) applies to the new owner from day one. What it requires.
9. Title and escrow. Use a title company; escrow agents may not close until the Point-of-Sale requirements are satisfied (1313.08).

Quick answers