The Ultimate House Hunting Checklist For A Homebuyer
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by Richard Morrison
- January 17, 2020
- Buying
- 0
Download Our House Hunting Checklist: Best Tips for Finding Your New Home
Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. It’s exciting to think about picking out furniture, decorating, and making memories in a new space. But it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you even start?
Having a comprehensive house hunting checklist keeps your search organized and focused. It ensures you don’t forget to inspect key areas or ask the right questions. I’ve created the ultimate checklist to use as you embark on your home buying journey.
Key Takeaways:
- A house hunting checklist helps you evaluate homes objectively and compare your options.
- Focus on budget, location, property type, exterior, interior, community, and questions to ask the seller.
- Don’t forget to trust your gut feeling about a home. It’s where you’ll be making memories for years to come.
As a realtor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of clients find their dream homes. Having a checklist is absolutely essential to keep all the details straight when viewing multiple properties. Let’s dive into what your checklist should include.
Set Your Budget
It’s critical to know your price range before viewing homes, or you may fall in love with one you simply can’t afford. Get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your budget. A pre-approval letter also shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.
When determining your limit, factor in:
- Down payment amount
- Closing costs
- Moving expenses
- Initial renovations or repairs
- Property taxes
- Home insurance
- Private mortgage insurance (if applicable)
Setting a firm maximum price keeps your search grounded in reality. Stretching too far financially can stress you out and lead to buyer’s remorse.
Clarify Your Location Priorities
While you can change many things about a home, you can’t change where it’s located. Identify your ideal area or neighborhoods before viewing properties. Factors like:
- Commute to work
- Proximity to schools
- Access to public transportation
- Distance to amenities like groceries, parks, etc.
Also research things like crime rates, registered sex offenders, flight paths, and plans for future development. Drive around at different times to get a real feel for the vibe. Location sets the foundation for your happiness in a home.
Decide on Property Type
As you search listings online or drive around, note the kind of property that appeals to you. Consider aspects like:
- House, condo, apartment, duplex
- Number of bedrooms/bathrooms
- Single family or multi-family
- One story, multi-story, split level, etc.
- Age of property (newer, older, etc.)
- Lot size
Narrow your focus to homes meeting your space requirements. A property type not suited to your lifestyle will leave you dissatisfied, even if other features are perfect.
Check the Exterior
Curb appeal isn’t everything, but the exterior sets the tone. Walk the grounds and inspect:
- Landscaping: Does the yard need work? Are trees overgrown?
- Fences/gates: Are they damaged or secure?
- Siding: Look for rot, mold, cracking, or moisture damage.
- Windows/doors: Are they updated and energy efficient? Note any broken panes.
- Roof: Ask the age and request inspector reports of condition.
- Driveway: Are cracks just aesthetic or more concerning?
- Exterior lighting: Test to ensure all work.
- Patio/deck: Check for damage and safety.
- Gutters: Signs of leaks? Are they clean?
- Garage: Test the opener and mechanisms.
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, major exterior damage could signal problems or expensive repairs.
Tour the Interior
As you walk through, test functionality and inspect:
- Flooring: Look for stains, gouges, buckling, rot, etc. Know if floors are original.
- Walls/ceilings: Any cracks, water damage, or holes to address?
- Doors/windows: Open and close everything, check locks.
- Cabinets/drawers: Test all hinges/glides for sticking or damage.
- Electrical outlets: Ensure they work and nothing is loose. Note GFCI near water.
- Light fixtures: Turn on lights and fans, check for blown bulbs.
- Plumbing fixtures: Flush toilets, test sink drainage, check under for leaks.
- Appliances: Turn on stove, oven, etc. Have big items been serviced?
- HVAC system: Start heating and AC, know age of units.
- Water heater: Look at age, any rust?
- Security system: Test it’s operational if included.
No house is perfect inside. But big issues like leaks, electrical problems, pest damage, or asbestos may be dealbreakers.
Scrutinize the Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of a home. Pay special attention to:
- Cabinets/drawers: Look for damage, mold, or wear. Do they function properly?
- Countertops: Check for cracks, stains, level surfaces.
- Sink: Turn on faucet, check water pressure. Look for leaks.
- Appliances: Turn on stove, oven, refrigerator, etc. Open and close doors.
- Ventilation: Turn on exhaust fan, ensure it’s working.
- Dishwasher: Open and close, check for leaks.
- Microwave: Heat something for a few seconds to test.
- Flooring: Evaluate for stains or damage. Know if original.
- Windows: Open and close, inspect for cracks or fogging.
- Lighting: Turn on all fixtures and under cabinet lighting.
Renovating a kitchen fully can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Understand the extent of updates needed.
Look Closely at the Bathrooms
Along with the kitchen, bathrooms are popular renovation projects. When viewing, note:
- Cabinets/drawers: Check for water damage, mold, or needed repairs.
- Counter space: Evaluate cracks or stains.
- Sinks: Turn on faucets, look for drips or low pressure.
- Showers/tubs: Fill with water to test drainage. Inspect caulking.
- Toilets: Flush to test function and drainage.
- Ventilation: Ensure fans run properly to prevent mildew.
- Flooring: Check for soft spots indicating leaks. Know if original.
- Windows: Look for broken seals or cracks.
- Doors/locks: Test knobs and latches for function.
Understand if bathrooms need cosmetic or more intensive plumbing repairs. This helps set renovation budget expectations.
Evaluate the Community
Even if the home itself checks every box, you need to feel good about the surrounding neighborhood too. Before making an offer, look into:
- Crime rates
- Registered sex offenders
- School rankings
- Proximity to highways, busy roads, or tracks
- Access to public transportation
- Community noise levels/safety
- Available amenities like parks, trails, recreation centers, etc.
During your visits, talk to neighbors and get a sense of the vibe. A community not suited to your lifestyle will be harder to resell later. Location sets the foundation for happiness and home value appreciation.
Important Questions To Ask
Don’t take any listing at face value. Dig deeper by asking:
- Why are they moving? Red flags include issues with the home, neighborhood decline, etc.
- How old are roof/HVAC/water heater? Know if you’ll need to replace soon.
- Have there been any recent repairs? Request invoices to understand extent of work.
- What is included in sale? Fixtures, appliances, furniture, etc.
- Are permits pulled for any renovations? Unpermitted work can lead to headaches.
- Are there any hidden defects? Water leaks, foundation cracks, pest infestations?
- What are property taxes and insurance estimates? Budget for accurate carrying costs.
- Are HOA rules restrictive? Get a copy to understand expectations.
- Is the home flooded regularly? Check flood zone maps for risks.
Information is power during the home buying process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and dig into the home’s history.
Consider Curb Appeal
While not the most important factor, curb appeal can help a home make a strong first impression. When you pull up, note:
- Well-maintained landscaping and lawn
- A freshly painted front door in an appealing color
- Stylish exterior lighting fixtures
- An overall clean and tidy appearance
- The condition of the driveway and walkways
Curb appeal hints at how much care and money owners invested into their home. But also remember not to judge a book by its cover. Drab exteriors can disguise beautiful interior renovations.
Look for Signs of Additions or Renovations
As you walk through, keep an eye out for any spaces that seem new or out of place, like:
- Rooms with different flooring or ceiling heights
- Walls blocking off space in awkward ways
- Newer looking construction or materials
- Garage or basement conversions into living space
Unpermitted additions can pose legal issues. Ask if proper permits were obtained for renovations to avoid headaches down the road.
Beware of Suspicious Scents
Use your nose during showings. Foul odors may indicate problems, like:
- Mold or mildew smells – Watch for water damage
- Cigarette smoke – Can permeate and be hard to remove
- Pets – Notice if carpets need replaced
- Air fresheners or candles – Might conceal other scents
While smells can sometimes be fixed, bad ones could point to an underlying issue in the home.
Consider School Districts
If you have or plan to have children, researching school districts is crucial. Look at aspects like:
- Test scores and rankings
- Class sizes
- Extracurricular activities
- Specialty programs
- Safety
- Distance from home
- District rating and reputation
Top-ranked schools boost home values. And you want to be satisfied with where your child will spend their days learning.
Picture Your Furniture in the Space
As you tour empty homes, envision how your existing furniture and belongings would fit. Consider:
- The size and layout of each room
- The flow between rooms
- How your furnishings would arrange
- If your items seem too big or small for the space
This helps you determine if the home fits your lifestyle and possessions. While furniture can be swapped, spatial constraints are fixed.
Trust Your Gut
You’ll likely get a “feeling” when walking through a home. Note your first impressions. Can you imagine your life there? Does it spark joy or feel uncomfortable? Never ignore your intuition on such a monumental purchase.
According to surveys by realty advisor Richard Morrison, over two-thirds of buyers have a subconscious emotional response driving their decision on a home. If your gut says it’s not right, listen. Keep looking for the one that feels like home.
Use Your House Hunting Checklist
I always advise clients to bring this checklist along when viewing homes. Take notes while walking through to compare later. It keeps all the details organized across multiple properties.
Buying a home is not a quick or easy process, but having the right tools sets you up for success. Spend time upfront determining your must-haves and researching options online. Then utilize this checklist as you tour homes in person.
Trust the process. Getting the perfect house is worth the effort it takes to find it! Wishing you the best of luck in your home search.
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FAQs
Q: What is the Ultimate House Hunting Checklist For A Homebuyer?
A: The Ultimate House Hunting Checklist for a homebuyer is an essential tool for anyone looking to purchase a home. It’s designed to give you an idea of the important points and questions to ask when viewing houses, as well as any must-haves and important questions to consider when making an offer on a home. Many checklists are available in printable PDF format, so that you can take them with you when you’re house hunting.
Q: Why is it important to use a house hunting checklist?
A: It’s easy to focus on the aesthetics of the houses you’re viewing, but make sure you don’t lose sight of the details. Using a house hunting checklist means that you won’t forget any important questions or other factors that may factor into your decision. Plus, it helps ensure that you don’t want to fall in love with a home that doesn’t fit your needs.
Q: What should I include on my house hunting checklist?
A: Your house hunting checklist should include all the important details and features that are most important to you when buying a home. It should also include any additional items or features that may have been overlooked in your wish list while browsing homes online. Additionally, it’s important to understand what type of mortgage and budget you’re working with before beginning your search.
Q: What kind of questions should I ask my real estate agent?
A: Asking the right questions can help ensure that your experience as a new homeowner goes smoothly. Questions about zoning laws, taxes, and deed restrictions may be especially helpful if you’re considering bidding on a property. You’ll also want to make sure they’re familiar with local regulations related to purchasing homes in your area.
Q: When should I get a home inspection done?
A: Most lenders require buyers obtain a home inspection prior to closing on their home purchase. This will provide reassurance that everything is in good condition and identify any potential issues with the property before signing off on the sale.
Q: Are there other resources available for home buyers?
A: Yes! There is plenty of information available online for new homeowners or those looking to purchase their next home. A free printable House Hunting Checklist can be found here which includes many of the same items listed above – plus more! For more detailed advice, websites like Realtor.com provide helpful articles specific for each step of the process.
Q: What else do I need know before buying a house?
A: It’s always good practice to research local zoning laws, school districts and any applicable deed restrictions prior to bidding on a property or making an offer. Make sure all paperwork regarding inspections, appraisals and contracts are complete before agreeing upon anything else associated with your potential new residence.
Q: How do I avoid getting overwhelmed by all this information?
A: Although it’s easy for first time buyers (and experienced ones!) to get overwhelmed by all this information – remember not to become too bogged down by every single detail. Rather than getting caught up in every minor detail, focus instead on how these things affect whether or not this particular house fits what YOU want.
Q: Is there an easier way for me to keep track of my progress during this process?
A: Absolutely! We recommend downloading our free printable House Hunting Checklist which includes all the most important questions, tasks, and considerations when looking for your next home. With this checklist, it makes it much easier to stay organized while searching through different properties.
Q: Are there any other tips I should keep in mind when buying a house?
A: Yes! Make sure that if you’re using financing, such as taking out a mortgage loan, calculate how much money per month will go towards paying off debt. Also, try not to let emotions cloud judgement – even if there’s one particular house that seems like it could be perfect – don’t rush into anything until doing due diligence. Before signing anything, make sure you’re ready to commit financially.
Conclusion
When it comes to house hunting, there are a few things to consider. You’re looking to purchase the biggest investment you’ll make in your life and whether you’re buying or selling a home, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right fit. A house hunting checklist will help you compare homes and find the one that is perfect for you.
Make a list of important questions to ask, such as the asking price and important details to look for such as signs of water damage. You should also check out the interior and exterior of the home, making sure everything is in working order with plenty of storage space; having an extra room or two would be great! It’s also important to view at different times of the day so that you can see how much sun exposure each potential home gets and find out what kind of lighting it has during different parts of the day.
With a house hunting checklist, you can ensure that you will find the home you want with all of those important details that come along with it.
Strawhomes.com House Hunting Checklist
| Category | Item | Good | Okay | Poor | Yes | No | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siding and Paint | Condition of exterior walls? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||
| Condition of foundations? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Condition of windows and doors? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Windows and Doors | State of the windows? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||
| State of sills? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Wood or steel windows? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Budget | What can you afford? | ||||||
| Have you factored in everything such as… | |||||||
| Location | Do school or work locations affect options? | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Local Amenities | Gym, Library, Church, Parks, Public transport routes | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Neighbourhood | Have you done research on the area? | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Property Type | Free-standing home, secure apartment, garden, private, communal spaces | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Exterior Details | Does the home represent who we are? | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Do we need to make changes? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| What impression do I get from this property? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Landscaping | Is the garden big enough? | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Is it private and secure? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Do any trees need attention? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Is the irrigation system working? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Fences and gates in good repair? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Interior Details | Condition of carpets? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||
| Condition of tiles? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Are the windows secure? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Are there enough window coverings? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Bathrooms | Are the bathrooms in good condition? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||
| Are there enough bathrooms? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Number of bathrooms? | |||||||
| Shower and/or bath in each? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Kitchen | Condition of kitchen? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||
| Condition of Appliances? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Condition of Electrics? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Condition of Plumbing? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Condition of Internal cupboards? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Heating and Cooling | Is there air conditioning? | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| If so, when was it last serviced? | |||||||
| Are there service records available? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Solar power, gas, or electricity to heat or cool? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Compliance certificate available for these appliances? | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Entomologist Certificate | Request a recent clearance certificate from a professional entomologist. | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Plumbing and Electrical | Seek professional inspection if you have concerns. | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Roofing and Guttering | Condition of roofing? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||
| Condition of guttering? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| Ask the estate agent for details on roof repairs | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
| Why is it on the Market? | Ask the agent – Why are the owners selling? | ☐ | ☐ | ||||
| What is the Local Market Doing? | Find out what is happening within your community | ☐ | ☐ |
Ready to turn your real estate dreams into reality? Contact Richard Morrison, Vancouver’s top realtor with 20+ years of experience. As a Medallion Club member and RE/MAX Hall of Fame award winning agent, he’s the expert you need on your side. Whether buying, selling, or investing, Richard’s personalized approach and deep market insights ensure a successful transaction. Reach out to Richard today at (778) 900-2235 and make your real estate journey seamless and rewarding.
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