1. The lot and its limits
Collect the title commitment, legal description, available survey or plat, easements, and relevant recorded restrictions. Reconcile fences and visible use with the documents; have qualified title or legal professionals resolve rights and boundary questions.
2. Renovation and future use
Ask for permits, final inspections, contractor records, warranties, and available plans for material changes. Confirm intended additions, accessory space, rentals, or home-business use with the city and any association. A seller description is not an approval.
3. Condition and specialist review
Use inspections to decide whether roof, drainage, retaining walls, electrical capacity, foundations, or other systems need specialist evaluation. Request scoped estimates where a material repair could change the purchase decision.
4. The actual weekly routine
Travel the routes to work, errands, and activities at the times you would use them. Check the garage with your vehicle and equipment, guest parking, deliveries, and the movement of wet ski gear into the house.
5. Winter access and maintenance
Separate the public street, driveway, private-road agreement, and canyon trip. Identify plowing responsibilities and snow-storage space. Consult current road and resort information; distance does not guarantee arrival time or resort parking.
6. Insurance and carrying costs
Seek a property-specific insurance quote early. Compare taxes, financing, utilities, association obligations, landscape care, snow service, and a repair reserve. Do not use projected appreciation or unverified rental income to make the budget work.
7. The comparison and decision log
Compare similar usable space, condition, lot function, setting, and ownership obligations—not price per square foot alone. Keep each unresolved question beside its source, responsible professional, deadline, and effect on your decision.