June 15, 2012

Home Buying Checklist

Perhaps you are already that super organized, colour-coded folder-carrying type; whether yay or nay, here’s a useful checklist for the aspiring home owner to bring along to property viewings. It’s a convenient way to make notes on potential homes so you can compare your top choices at a glance.

DETAILS

• Address:__________________________________________________
• Age: _____________________________________________________
• Price: ____________________________________________________
• Occupancy:________________________________________________

STRUCTURE

• Type of home: _____________________________________________
• Type of construction: _______________________________________
• Approx Square footage: __________________________________sq ft
• # of storeys: _______________________________________________
• Bedrooms: ________________________________________________
• Bathrooms: _______________________________________________
• Closets:___________________________________________________
• Garage or Parking: Y N #_____________________________________

MAJOR SYSTEMS

Heating

• Furnace type: OIL GAS AGE: | Radiators: Y N

Cooling

• Air conditioning: Y N AGE:

Notes: __________________________________________________________

• Central Air: Y N AGE:

Notes: ___________________________________________________________

Plumbing

• Pipes: COPPER GALVANIZED | Sanitary System: SEWER SEPTIC TANK

Electrical

• Wiring: KNOB/TUBE COPPER
• Water source: WELL MUNICIPAL | Central humidifier: Y N AGE:

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Fireplace: Y N | Pool: Y N
• OTHER:

CHATTALS

Appliances

• Dishwasher: Y N | Refrigerator: Y N | Stove: Y N
• Washer: Y N | Dryer: Y N

Windows

• Window coverings (curtains, blinds, etc.): Y N

Other: ___________________________________________

LOCATION & NEIGHBOURHOOD FEATURES

• Short commute to work: Y N DISTANCE__________________________

• Schools nearby: Y N DISTANCE_________________________________

• Public transportation: Y N DISTANCE_____________________________

• Stores: Y N DISTANCE_________________________________________

• Parks / recreation: Y N DISTANCE________________________________

• Other: _______________________________________________________

• Street noise level? LOW MED HIGH NOTES: ______________________

• Near expressway/airport/train tracks? Y N DISTANCES: ______________

____________________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL COSTS

• Property tax:_________________________________________________
• Changing locks: ______________________________________________
• Repairs needed?:______________________________________________
• Security system upgrade or installation: ___________________________
• Installing/upgrading fences: _____________________________________
• Parking (permit) (s): ___________________________________________
• OTHER: ____________________________________________________

Total: ___________

CONDITION OF PROPERTY

(rating system: 1 = immediate repair needed … 5 = excellent condition)

Doors and windows: 1 2 3 4 5
NOTES: __________________________________________________________

Floors: 1 2 3 4 5
NOTES:___________________________________________________________

Exterior walls: 1 2 3 4 5
NOTES:___________________________________________________________

Roof: 1 2 3 4 5
NOTES:___________________________________________________________

Lawn/Garden/Balcony: 1 2 3 4 5
NOTES:___________________________________________________________

Garage: 1 2 3 4 5
NOTES:___________________________________________________________