Check List for Home Buyers and Sellers

Things to notice when you look at a house

This is by no means meant to be a through inspection, it is just to point out some simple things that you should be looking at. Things that many first time home buyers will overlook. Take a good flashlight and a screwdriver with you when you go to look at a house. A screwdriver is often needed to open the bathroom access panel. You might also want to take a digital camera to help you remember what things looked like. Take a tape measure to check room sizes as the MLS listings are not always accurate. If you like the house you may want to sketch a floor plan so you can see how your furniture will fit.

Roof Condition You may want to take some binoculars so you can have a better look at the roof from the ground.

Gutters Trim boards are often rotted behind gutters.

Attic Ventilation What type if any is being used?

Foundation wood to ground distance, termite tunnels, cracks, low spots where water might stand. Does ground slope away from foundation or towards the foundation? Do doors and windows open properly? Look for cracks in brick and mortar, especially around doors and windows.

Look for rotted wood around windows, look at siding and trim close to the ground where water splashes up and around roof trim. Inspect inside around windows for water leakage. Rotted wood often has a fresh coat of paint and looks just fine until you touch it.

Outside A/C unit: Size in tons, Seer Rating. Sometimes the ID plate on the unit will have the year manufactured.

Do bathtubs have access panels? If not would they be easy to make or will you have to rip out tile, cabinets or brick? Where is the hot water heater located?

Check under all sink cabinets for damage from previous leaks.

You may not want to go in the attic, but you should at least stick your head up there, shine a flashlight around and have a quick look. How does the insulation and heater look at first glance? Look at the roof decking.

Where is the dryer vent? I have seen some that vent into the attic. Sending moist hot air into your attic is not a good thing!

Info to request from Owner

Age of Roof. If new you will probably want to know what brand and type of shingles were used.

Age of AC & Heat System

Age of Hot Water Heater

What type of water supply lines: Copper, Galvanized, Other. Previous leaks from broken pipes?

If siding was replaced ask when and ask what they put underneath. Was the old siding removed first?

How much are the HOA fees?

Ask for a copy of the CLUE report on the home. This is the report insurance companies use to see past insurance claims on a house. Homeowners can get a free report on their property once every 12 months from ChoiceTrust A home with a lot of past claims could be difficult or expensive to insure.

What recent repairs have you made or problems have you had?

A smart seller will have this information printed out and waiting for you when you arrive. Unfortunately there aren't very many smart sellers out there and information is hard to get.

You need to have a good idea of the homes condition before you make an offer. If it is going to cost you $15,000 to make repairs that needs to be reflected in the price.