Buying Real Estate

Home Buyer's Checklist

Be sure to collect and inspect all of these things when buying a home (if they apply.)

  1. The Home Inspection Report
  2. The Radon Inspection Report
  3. The Termite Inspection Report
  4. The Home Warranty Policy
  5. The Subdivision Map
  6. The Floor Plan
  7. The Current Appraisal (within the last 3 months)
  8. The Current Well Inspection Reports (within the last 3 months)
    • The Potability Report
    • The Production Report
  9. The Septic Inspection Report (within the last 3 months)
    • The Septic Inspection Report
    • The Septic Permit
  10. Subdivision Covenants
  11. Easements or Encroachments affecting the property
  12. Rights of Way affecting the property
  13. Building Permits for all improvements on the property
  14. Owner's list of all improvements done without building permits
  15. Owner's list of all non-conforming uses of the property
  16. Flood Zone Information
  17. Zoning and Use Information
  18. Legal proceedings which may affect the property
    • Foreclosure Proceedings (current or anticipated)
    • Tax Liens or Filings (current or anticipated)
    • Lis Pendens (notice of legal actions to be filed)
    • Lawsuits (current or anticipated)
    • Bankruptcy (current or anticipated)
    • Divorce Proceedings or Decrees (current or anticipated)
    • Zoning or Use Changes affecting the property
    • Other
  19. Encumbrances affecting the property
  20. Loan Information (if assumption)
    • Lender name, address and phone number
    • Loan Number
    • Loan Balance
    • Loan Date, Rate, Term, Amount and Conditions
  21. Monthly Utility Bills for Last 12 Months
    • Electric
    • Gas (propane, oil, etc.)
    • Water
  22. Owner's list of all energy features
  23. Home Owner Association information (name, address, and phone)
  24. Owner's list of all major repairs or improvements (including date)
  25. Owner's list of all Warranties which are still current
  26. Information on neighborhood organizations/amenities
  27. Information about area schools and churches
  28. Access to private and public transportation
  29. Megan's Law information
  30. Any additional documentation owner has about home or property
  31. List of the best features of the home, property and area
  32. List of the worst features and how they would affect you
  33. Anything else that might be of interest to you