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Home Buying Checklist

You're sure you've found your home. It's stunning, in the right neighborhood, and very affordable. Everything is perfect. Or is it?

Having your prospective home inspected by a professional is an important step to home ownership. It can reveal things that you might not be able to spot yourself. And by identifying any potential problems up front, you may convince the seller to either fix them or reimburse any repairs.

But before you shell out any money, do a simple pre-inspection yourself. Print the following checklist and take it with you. Not only is it a helpful guide for homebuyers, but it also signals you're a smart shopper and know how to buy a home.

If too many problems turn up here, it may be a signal for you to search elsewhere.

Item Check for
Foundation
  • Cracks, shifting or settling
  • Bolted to foundation for earthquake safety
  • Mudsill should be dry (this is the part of the house that rests on the foundation)
Windows
  • Dry rot on panes, sills and frames
  • Cracks in glass
  • Windows open properly and seal tightly
  • Moisture damage inside
Electrical systems
  • Properly working outlets, lights and switches
  • If the system has been updated (3-prong outlets, circuit breakers, etc. — for older houses)
  • GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) outlets in the bathroom and kitchen
  • Broken or loose outlets
Plumbing
  • Leaks around pipes and fixtures
  • Water pressure (try more than one faucet at once)
  • Test hot water pressure (same method)
  • Walls around shower and for water damage
  • Rust or leaking around hot water heater
  • The water heater being up to code
Fireplace / Chimney
  • Crumbling mortar around brickwork
  • Stability of chimney and any obstructions
Roof
  • Leaking or cracks
  • Age of the shingles
  • Nearby overhanging trees
Pests
  • Termite / beetle holes in wooden supports
  • Attic vents for hornet / wasp nests
  • Rodent droppings in cupboards and under house
Floor
  • Water damage, especially around plumbing fixtures
  • Soft spots in floor
  • Water-damaged floorboards and supports under the house
Kitchen
  • Operational appliances and faucet
Hazardous materials
  • Asbestos and lead stairs and walkways
  • Make sure that all stairs and walkways (inside and out) are free of obstructions
  • Firm stepping stones
  • Steady railings
Pool/Spa
  • Working cleaning / filtering system
  • Leaks or cracks
Paint
  • Cracking or peeling paint
Furnace
  • An operational thermostat
  • Clean and clear venting
Home Buyer Tip

Get pre-approved before you make your first offer

Your negotiating power increases substantially when your financing is pre-approved. In fact, many sellers will not work with potential homebuyers unless they are pre-approved.

Get Started!