BUYER'S CHECKLIST
Shopping for a house? Use this checklist.
Outside of the Home: The Neighborhood and the Home
- Are adequate shopping facilities nearby?
- Are police and fire protection adequate? (NOTE: insurance rates are adjusted in relation to fire service coverage.)
- Are there conveniently located places of worship?
- Are schools in close proximity?
- Are adequate medical facilities and a hospital close by?
- Are recreational facilities conveniently located?
- Is the neighborhood/community well planned?
- Is the home in a flood zone?
- Does the home have adequate parking/garage facilities?
- Is the land well drained?
- Is the sewage system reliable and sufficient? Also, street drainage?
- Are neighboring homes well maintained?
Inside the Home:
- Do the floors feel secure and level, walls appear sound and smooth, is the carpentry work well fitted and joined?
- Is the floor plan laid out well with separate areas for living, sleeping and working?
- Are rooms large enough to hold your furniture, and is wall space sufficient for arranging the furniture well?
- Do the bedrooms and bathrooms have adequate privacy and quiet; are they away from the living areas?
- Are the closets and storage areas adequate for your needs?
- Does the kitchen have sufficient lighting, ventilation and enough electrical outlets for your appliances?
- Does the kitchen have adequate cabinets and surfficient countertop workspace?
- Do doors, windows and drawers work easily and safely?
- Does the plumbing work smoothly and quietly with sufficient water pressure and well-flowing drains?
- Is the heating, cooling and ventilation equipment satisfactory?
- Are there enough electrical outlets with sufficient amperage for your equipment?
- Is the lighting in the home bright enough during the day as well as during the night?
- Are the rooms located/designed to take full advantage of sun and shade?
These are questions that you as the propsective home buyer should answer to your satisfaction based on your personal preferences. For peace of mind regarding the structural systems of the home, you should have a professional home inspection performed.
