Home Buyer Checklist

A Simple Way to Compare Homes You're Considering

After touring several homes, it can be surprisingly difficult to remember which property had the better kitchen, quieter street, newer roof—or simply felt more like home.

Use this checklist to compare the homes you're considering and keep track of the things that matter most to you.

Don't worry about checking every box. Focus on your priorities, take notes while the property is fresh in your mind, and remember that some items may require additional information or a professional inspection.

1. The Basics

For each home, note:

• Property address
• Asking price
• Property taxes
• HOA dues, if applicable
• Bedrooms and bathrooms
• Approximate square footage
• Lot size, if applicable
• Year built
• Garage or parking
• Days on market

2. Location & Neighborhood

The home itself is only part of your decision. Consider how the location fits your everyday life.

Think about:

• Commute and transportation
• Shopping and everyday conveniences
• Parks and recreation
• Traffic and street activity
• Parking
• Neighborhood condition
• Nearby development or construction
• Access to services important to you

For school information, buyers can independently review school-district and other available public resources based on their individual needs.

3. Home Condition

You don't need to be a home inspector to notice things worth asking about.

During your tour, consider the apparent condition of:

• Roof
• Exterior and siding
• Foundation
• Windows
• Heating and cooling systems
• Water heater
• Electrical system
• Plumbing
• Kitchen and appliances
• Bathrooms
• Flooring
• Basement or crawl space
• Drainage
• Deck, patio, or exterior structures

Make a note of anything you'd like to investigate further.

4. Layout & Everyday Living

A home can look great online but feel very different in person.

Consider:

• Room sizes
• Natural light
• Kitchen layout
• Storage and closets
• Bedroom locations
• Work-from-home space
• Laundry location
• Garage and parking
• Outdoor space
• Accessibility
• Potential for future needs

5. Potential Future Costs

The purchase price isn't the only number to consider.

Think about potential expenses such as:

• Immediate repairs
• Updates or remodeling
• Appliances
• Roof or major systems
• HOA dues and assessments
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Utilities
• Routine maintenance

A home with a lower asking price isn't necessarily the less expensive home to own.

6. Review the Property Information

If you're seriously considering a home, we can look more closely at available information such as:

• Seller disclosures
• Comparable sales
• Property history
• Current competing listings
• HOA documents, when applicable
• Available permit or public-record information
• Other information relevant to the property

These details can help you better understand the property before deciding whether you'd like to make an offer.

7. Compare Your Top Homes

Rather than trying to compare dozens of individual features, give each home a simple score in the areas that matter most to you.

Before You Make an Offer

Once you've identified a home you're seriously considering, I'll help you look beyond the checklist.

We can review relevant comparable sales, current market activity, property information, and the terms that may be important when preparing an offer.

The goal isn't simply to find a home that checks the most boxes. It's to help you make a more informed decision about the home that fits your priorities.