Are you on the hunt for a new home to call your own? As a buyer, you are in a tough spot right now, as there is too much demand for the amount of homes on the market. Competition is fierce, and you will have to make big compromises in terms of what you’re looking for in a house, as well as what you’re willing to pay. You also may have to forfeit things that up until this year were a given in any real estate transaction, such as appraisals and inspections.
That being said, it’s still a pretty exciting time to be on the lookout for a home. We have compiled this helpful checklist for house hunters that will guide you.
Room by Room Checklist
Take the time to go over each item here closely, so you will know what you want from the very beginning. This will ensure the house hunting process goes a bit faster and more efficiently. Take this checklist to each property you visit and make notes in the margins.
Living Room/Family Rooms
- Is there an open or closed layout?
- What is the flooring material, i.e., hardwood, carpet, tile, carpet, etc.?
- Does the room get a lot of natural light?
- What type of lighting fixtures are there?
- Are there ceiling fans and skylights?
- Is there a fireplace?
Bedrooms
- How many rooms are there and where are they located?
- How large is each bedroom?
- What is the flooring made of in each?
- What kind of closet does each bedroom feature. i.e., walk-in or sliding door?
- Does each room get sufficient natural light?
- What type of light fixtures are included in each room?
- Are there ceiling fans?
Bathrooms
- How many full and half baths are there?
- Is there a separate master bathroom?
- What is the flooring made of?
- Does each bathroom feature proper ventilation?
- What kind of storage do they have, i.e., cabinets, below-sink storage, etc.?
- Do the faucets work and are there signs of leaking?
- Are there any signs of mold or mildew?
Kitchen
- How much counter space is there?
- How much storage space is there, i.e., pantry, storage cabinets?
- What materials are the countertops, i.e., granite, marble, tile, laminate?
- What kind of flooring is there?
- How old are the appliances and when will they need replacement?
- Is the stove electric or gas, and is it included in purchase?
- Is the refrigerator built-in, and is it included in purchase?
- Is there a built-in microwave, and is it included in purchase?
- Is there a dishwasher, and is it included in purchase?
- What features does the kitchen sink have, i.e., garbage disposal, water filter system, spray head, extendable nozzle?
- Is there an island, and does it have electrical outlets?
- Is there a dining area within the kitchen?
- Can the kitchen be accessed from the living or dining rooms?
Outdoor Space
- Is the front yard landscaped?
- Will the front porch require significant maintenance?
- Is the backyard landscaped?
- Is there a balcony or deck in the backyard?
- Does the patio receive a lot of sun?
- Is there room to put patio furniture?
- Is there an above or inground pool? Are there cracks in the pool wall? Are all pool systems in working order?
- Is the backyard fenced in?
- Is there a nice view?
You can adjust this checklist to accommodate other areas of a typical home, too, such as attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages.
Contact Berkshire Hathaway Premier Properties
When you’re ready to connect with a buyer’s agent who can kick start your house hunting journey, contact Berkshire Hathaway Premier Properties today at 832-626-4889.