Pre Purchase Check-List
Date:
Property Address:
Type:
Present Owner:
Contact Information for Owner:
General Information:
1) # of Bedrooms
2) # of Bathrooms
3) Brick HouseYESNO
4) Fenced YardYESNO
5) Property Tax Records Assessed Value $
6) Miscellaneous
The Condition of the Property
Outside Condition:
Are walkways and driveways clear?
Are any existing steps, porches etc. sound and free of hazards?
Evaluate any exterior drainage system. Are all drains clear?
Gutters: need installation of, repair, or cleaning?
Water collecting near the house from poor drainage can result in damage to the foundation. Is there any evidence of this?
Is the yard private? Fenced in? Appropriate for children or pets?
Has the landscaping been maintained?
Are all pertinent documents concerning remodeling, add-on’s, or repairs available?
Is the paint, brick, or siding in good condition?
Painting and/or Siding needed?
Are there any trees too close to the home that could potentially cause structural damage with their roots?
Is there adequate exterior lighting?
Are the water pipes in the attic insulated?
Is there an attic?Is the attic easily accessible?
Is there ample storage space?
Is there any sign of present or past pest infestation?
Fence: any repair work needed with fence slats, posts, gates, painting?
Landscaping Needed?
Shrubs/Trees/Flowers need planting?
Roof and Attic
Are shingles in good condition?
What’s the average life expectancy for this type of roofing materials?
Is the insulation sufficient?
Any severe repair issues (termite damage, plumbing work, foundation problems).
Miscellaneous (pool, hot tub, insulation, etc.)
Location and Neighborhood
Does the community seem safe and pleasant both in the day and at night?
Does it look more worn down than other property in the area?
Consider the home’s closeness to important features like schools, medical care, shopping, places of employment, etc.
Does the neighborhood have ample streetlight?
Is there quick access to freeways?
Are there any potentially negative factors about the location?
Electrical & Plumbing
Do the electrical wires pose a hazard to the home (too close, overgrown, etc.)?
Is exterior wiring installed properly with weatherproof outlet covers and switches?
Are light switches located by the entrance of each room, at both ends of the hallway, and at the top and bottom of the stairs?
Are electrical outlets grounded (this is especially important in older homes)?
What type of piping does the house have? Does this pose any threat?
Is there main water shut off valve to the house?
Are appliances in good working condition?
Is the property gas, electric or both?
How old is the water heater?
Inside Condition:
Does the floor plan seem convenient?
Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?
What type of flooring exists and what is the condition?
This is the number of rooms excluding bathrooms that need either repair/replacement for carpet, vinyl, or hardwood floors:
Are tiles still in good condition without cracking or heavy caulking?
Are the rooms large enough and have ample storage space?
Are rooms well lit and well ventilated?
Is the drywall, wallpaper, paneling, or wall tile in the rooms in good condition?
What is the condition of cabinets, vanities, and countertops?
Number of rooms needing paint or wallpapering? (bedrooms, living room, living room, recreation/play room, office room (excluding bathrooms).
Wall and/or ceiling repair needed other than painting? (i.e. wall-repair such as holes or ceiling attention like water damage drained through ceiling).
Light fixtures needing replacement?
Upgrades needed?
Doors to be replaced with knobs & locks?
Miscellaneous Inside (cabinet knobs, outlet covers, wood molding, chair rails, window blinds, security system, closets, other?
Laundry Room:
General Condition, Shelving, Flooring
Kitchen:
Flooring. Vinyl or hardwood needing replacing?
Cabinets: Replaced, repaired, painted, knobs?
Sink & Faucets
Counter Tops.
Pantry doors and inside shelving.
Garbage Disposal.
Lighting
Wall (Painted/Wallpapering?)
Other:
Appliances:
Stove
Microwave
Trash Compactor
Washer & Dryer Included?
Bathrooms:
Bathroom #1:
Flooring
Bathtub and/or shower fixture
Sink & Faucets
Counter Tops
Mirror/Medicine Cabinet
Wallpapering/Painting
Bathroom #2:
Flooring
Bathtub and/or shower fixture
Sink & Faucets
Counter Tops
Mirror/Medicine Cabinet
Wallpapering/Painting
Bathroom #3:
Flooring
Bathtub and/or shower fixture
Sink & Faucets
Counter Tops
Mirror/Medicine Cabinet
Wallpapering/Painting
Heating and Air
How old is the furnace and air conditioning system?
Has it been serviced annually?
Are filters clean or easy to replace?
Is ductwork in good condition?
Heating System: Working properly, blows hot air in each room?
Air Conditioner: Type
Works properly, blows air in each room, thermostat?
Are there air registers in every room?
Is there excessive dirt or mildew around ceiling vents?
Does the house have a main sewer/drain cleanout?
Are the sinks and tubs free from rust and chipping?
Security, Safety, and Convenience
Is the front entrance visible from the street?
Does it have proper lighting?
Are exterior doors solid with quality locks and hardware?
Is the home equipped with smoke detectors?
Is there house or curbside trash pickup?
Does the house’s age require extra caution regarding lead paint, asbestos, lead pipes, etc.?
Notes: