You are about to invest a lot of money and you should investigate each property thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the following:

1. THE LOT. What size and shape is the lot? Does the property have city water and city sewer or is it on a private septic and well system.
• Drainage – is the property well drained and has landscaping been done to prevent erosion?

2. LOCATION. What is its proximity to schools, work, grocery stores, leisure activities, freeways, public transportation, and parks? Is the house on a busy road? Is the home in a school district to your liking? What is the crime rate in the neighborhood?

3. CONDITION. Is the house in move-in condition or is it a fixer-upper? Can you meet the financial challenges of any major work and are you prepared to withstand the mess and inconvenience? What imperfections can you live with and what can you not?

4. SIZE & LAYOUT. Does the house meet your size requirement both in number and type of rooms? Does your furniture fit? Is the layout/floor plan compatible with your habits?

5. THE ROOF. Condition and age of the roof:
• How old is the existing roof. Are there one or two layers of shingles? Are there any leaks or recent repairs? If only part of the roof was repaired, will the rest cause trouble?
• Are there proper roof gutters and adequate downspouts which are properly connected to storm drains?

6. WALLS & CEILINGS. Is there any evidence of leaks or cracks? Does the ceiling sag?

7. FLOORING. Are floors firm and leveled? What about the condition of the floor boards and supports? What types of floors are beneath the carpeting?

8. STAIRS & DOOR FRAMES. Are stairs and door frames leveled and well joined?

9. NATURAL LIGHTING. Is the natural lighting to your liking? Which way does the front face – north, south, east, or west?

10. WINDOWS. Are the windows in good condition. Are there enough windows? Are there windows with leaks (foggy and moisture between glass panels). Are all the screens available?

11. KITCHEN. Is the kitchen suitable? Does it have a dishwasher? Are there enough outlets and space for appliances? What about cabinets?

12. CLOSET SPACE. Are storage areas and closet space adequate?

13. PLUMBING. What is the condition of the plumbing system? Is it noisy? Have there been recent repairs?

14. VENTILATION. Is the ventilation equipment adequate for the home? Are there exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom?

15. HEATING SYSTEM. What type of heating system is it (forced air, gravity, hot water, etc.)? Does the home heat with natural gas, oil, or propane?

16. ELECTRICAL. Is there sufficient electrical wiring? Is there enough power for your electrical equipment? Your computer? Are there adequate outlets in the house?

17. BASEMENT & FOUNDATION. What is the condition of the basement and foundation? Check the walls and floors. Is the floor dry? Are there water stains on the walls? Is there a sump pump in the basement?
• Are there severe or excessive cracks in or uneven settlement of the foundation?

18. ATTIC & CRAWL SPACE. What about the attic or crawl space? Is there evidence of leaks? Dry rot? Is there proper ventilation and insulation? Does the insulation meet current specifications (about 15” of the pink stuff)?

19. GARAGE. How large is the garage? Is it wide enough for your vehicles? Is the driveway adequate? Is there cracking or lifting and is drainage satisfactory?

Each house is unique. Keep some notes to enable you to remember the details later!

When considering a purchase, stay focused on the facts. Keep in mind that some features are easily changed, like paint, carpet and window treatments and shouldn’t deter you no matter how outdated or distasteful they are. Instead, focus on the more permanent elements that can’t be changed like floor plan, lot size and school district.

Don’t be pressured by anyone (or your emotions) into making a decision until you’ve seen enough homes. Such a significant investment shouldn’t be rushed. Also, be prepared to reassess your priorities if you are having difficulty finding a home that fits your parameters and price range. It’s not uncommon for a buyer to change their mind once they have begun the home buying process.