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Moving Check List

CHECKLIST FOR HOUSE HUNTING

If you are thinking of purchasing a home in the near future, you have probably already started looking. A REALTOR can provide you with invaluable help in finding the right home in the right price range in the area you want to live. Through access to the Multiple Listing Service®, a REALTOR can give you a customized list of homes for sale that match your criteria.

After viewing a number of homes you may find it difficult to recall all the details. That is why compiling a house hunting check list as you go through homes can help you better keep track of things so that you can easily recall the advantages and drawbacks of each one.

In addition to the basic information regarding location, asking price, annual property taxes, mortgage terms and any applicable zoning restrictions, it’s a good idea to keep a checklist of both the exterior and interior features of each home.

Exterior
Jot down your impressions of the exterior of the home, noting the lot size and shape, position of the home on the lot (facing north, south, east or west) and whether it has a private or shared driveway. Also note whether it has a large front, side and backyard, what condition the landscaping is in and whether there are any mature trees and shrubs.

Check the condition of the siding and note whether the home has an attached or detached garage. Also note whether there is a porch or veranda, storage shed and whether the yard is fenced.

Be sure to take a good look at the roof and note its general condition and age. Also check the eaves troughs and down spouts for signs of deterioration. It’s important to examine the foundation of the home for any visible cracks or holes.

Interior
Once you have completed your checklist of the exterior, it’s time to move indoors. Note whether the home has a separate front hallway. Check the windows to ensure they open and close easily and note the general condition of the doors.

The kitchen is an important room in any home, so it is important to pay attention to its size, the condition of the appliances, sink, cupboard space, counter tops, flooring, lighting and electrical outlets. Be sure to ask whether any or all of the appliances are included in the sale.

It may be that a separate dining room or a family room is important to you. You may also wish to check whether the living room has a fireplace.

Move on to the bedrooms and note their size and closet space and whether there are any window coverings or adjoining bathrooms. Also make note of the flooring in each bedroom and the colours the rooms are painted.

Make notes on the number and size of bathrooms and the conditions of the fixtures. Check all faucets and flush toilets to make sure they are in good working order and to see if there is adequate water pressure. Look for signs of mould and deterioration – sometimes these are warning signs of inadequate ventilation.

Basement
Check whether the basement is full or partial, finished or unfinished and whether there is adequate room for walking about. Note whether there is a utility area and whether the washer and dryer are being sold with the house.

Find out if there have been any recent renovations to the home. It is also very important to ask about the type of heating, water service, plumbing (copper or other), electrical amperage and insulation.

Your REALTOR will be able to help you with questions you are unsure of and it is also a good idea to have a professional building inspector examine any home in which you are seriously interested. By arming yourself with a checklist and finding out all the pertinent information ahead of time, you will find the process much more enjoyable and less intimidating.

This index in PDF format
Arranging a mortgage
Buying a home: a sound investment in your future
Buying a home: old versus new
Buying a home: your needs and wants
Chattels and fixtures: put it in writing before you sell
Checklist for house hunting
Could you sell your own home?
Creating curb appeal can help sell your home
Don't forget closing costs when buying a home
Helpful hints on buying a home
Home Buying and Finances - making the right decisions
How to market your home
Lease space of selling commercial property
Making use of a REALTOR's expertise
Marketing your home with a REALTOR
Moving up in the housing market
No time like the present to buy a home
Picking the right neighbourhood
Preparing your home for sale
REALTORS help smooth the home buying process
REALTORS offer expertise and experience
Selling your home - how to review an offer
Selling your home - what a listing entails
Selling your home - why it pays to use a REALTOR
Selling your home - why using a REALTOR makes sense
The final cost of buying a home
Ten good reasons for using a REALTOR
Thinking of selling? Using a REALTOR just makes sense
Tips for buying strata properties
Tips for first-time home buyers
Tips on sprucing up your home prior to selling
Using MLS® to help sell your home
When to call in the experts to help buy or sell a home
Working with a REALTOR
Your REALTOR and the Multiple Listing Service® - an unbeatable marketing combination
Preparing your home for sale
Old versus new - which house is best for you?
Should you invest in a second property?
Glossary of real estate terms
What to expect from your REALTOR
Documents you'll see when selling a home
Choosing a REALTOR
Carrying a checklist when house-hunting
"But I can't afford to buy ..."
Lease Renewal Consulting - Help is Available
Why hire a professional property management company?
Multiple Offers - what's involved

Courtesy of the Victoria Real Estate Board (07/03)