Home Buying Checklist

Besides determining the loan type you need from the many options available such as a no doc loans, stated income loans, self employed mortgages, or a super jumbo loans, you need to consider the basics to get your search off to the right start. While the number of rooms, condition of the kitchen, and size of the yard are important, there are other things to consider before you make an offer.

Structure

From a reasonably distant vantage point, look at the house. Do the walls appear to be plumb and flat? From inside, are any walls square at corners? When you jump in the middle of the living room floor, does it flex or feel solid?

Water Control

Does the ground slope away from the base of the house? Will gutters,downspouts and drainage pipes carry excess water away from the house or into the basement? Is there any evidence of water damage?

Roof

Is the roof new and in good shape? Does it look neat and properly applied?

Details

Do you see signs of quality workmanship in the finish details such as moldings, tile work, hardware, and paint?

Kitchen and Bath Fixtures

Are sinks, toilets, and tubs quality fixtures? Do they work properly? Is the water pressure good when you turn on the faucets and flush the toilet?

Electrical System

Are the number and locations of receptacles adequate to the needs of the house? Is the main circuit breaker marked at least 100 amps?

Water Heater, Plumbing

Is the water heater gas or electric? Gas is much more efficient. Water supply pipes from the water heater to fixtures should be copper.

Heating

Where is the furnace or heater located and what type is it? Are any rooms not heated? Do registers look adequate for heating the spaces? Is the house air- conditioned?

Insulation

Look in the attic for insulation. Is it adequate for the climate? Remove a receptacle cover on a perimeter wall to check for wall insulation.

Fireplaces

Do they have screens or glass doors? Doors are more efficient. What about dampers and log lighters? Is there a combustion vent that draws air from outside and a spark arrestor at the top of the chimney?