House Hunting Checklist
You've decided it's time to look for a new home and now you're visiting open houses to see what's on the market and available to you. When you're shopping for a new home, it's easy to be drawn in and get swept away by a home's most charming features. This is why I recommend using a house hunting checklist when looking through open houses.
One recommendation I often suggest is to print an actual list out to bring with you to an open house. This list will be a checklist of sorts to help you take note of certain features so that you don’t forget or overlook anything. For instance, after visiting a few open houses, you might have forgotten if House A had a backyard or a side yard. There are many different types of house hunting checklists that you can download online to make sure you're touching on all the necessary aspects, but be sure that they at least touch on the following:
✓Windows and Ceiling
Take note of the age and condition of all these things, something might need to be replaced
✓Floors
Are the floors even? Are any rugs or furniture being used to conceal damage?
✓Doors
Do they open and close properly? Are they properly insulated? Are exterior doors weatherproof and do the locks work?
✓Walls
Are they stained and in need of repainting? Will they block out sound from other rooms?
✓Bathroom & Kitchen Condition
Do the faucets have any traces of mold or mildew? Do they leak? Is there enough storage and cabinet space? Do bathroom fans work and do the toilets flush?
✓Various Systems
You will need to hire an inspector to make sure the electrical, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, etc. systems are all in good working condition and not in need of any repairs
✓Roof
When was the roof last done? Make sure there are no signs of sagging, holes, or discolouration
✓Foundation, Driveway, Pool
Are there any cracks in any of these places?
✓Deck
Is the patio or deck in good condition? Is it stable and can you see any signs of rotting wood?
Another way of keeping yourself on track when buying a new home is to make a list of what you want before you start viewing homes. This is also helpful for sharing with your realtor so they know exactly what you have in mind before finding the homes to show you. The most important thing to do is to outline your priorities. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need in a home? Do you care if the basement is unfinished? What if the home is perfect but needs upgrading? Are you willing to put the work in? When you go through an open house, make sure you take pictures of it. Be sure to double-check with the realtor that this is okay but it shouldn't be an issue and will help jog your memory later, especially if you've gone through a lot of homes.
What was the number one thing on your house hunting checklist? Did you need the house to have a pool or did you want to make sure there was enough space to convert the basement into an awesome home gym? Share it with us in the comments below or connect with us on Facebook!
If you are ready to start searching for your next home, or your first, give us a call today!
Posted by Greg Dewar on
Leave A Comment