101 Things to Ponder Before Buying a Home

1. Make sure there’s lights in every room
2. Check outlet placement.
3. Know which switches control what.
4. Cable jacks in the wall or in the floor?
5. Closet space? Functional?
6. Windows single or double pane?
7. Screens in windows preferable.
8. All windows operable?
9. Flush all toilets/run faucets.
10. Check sinks for leaks/drips.
11. Tile is a pain to keep clean. Floors and tubs.
12. Window treatments left or will you have to purchase new?
13. How/when does the sun hit each room?
14. Remember that carpet is tough to keep clean.
15. Storage in bathrooms important. Drawers are great.
16. Linen/coat closets?
17. Low ceiling is claustrophobic. High ceilings cost you in heating/cooling.
18. Check placement of HVAC vents.
19. Inside stairs will eventually need a child gate.
20. Ease of access for older people/people with bad knees.
21. Age of mechanical systems.
22. Water runoff on lot.
23. Roof age? More things in the roof= more chance of leaks.
24. Check for studs in wall for hanging.
25. Established neighborhood?
26. Check house at night for neighborhood.
27. Ask the neighbors about the house/neighborhood.
28. Trees are great for shade, but increase yard work, too.
29. Watch root systems of trees.
30. Cabinets in kitchen should be aligned and drawers slide easily.
31. Where will appliances be stored in the kitchen?
32. Pantry?
33. Gas or electric stove?
34. Septic or sewer?
35. Garbage disposal?
36. What are current utility bills?
37. Heat resistant countertops?
38. Are the washing machine and water heater on a waterproof floor?
39. Location/existence of guest bathroom.
40. Guests and kids share bathroom?
41. Storage space (attic, garage, shed, etc.)
42. Location of attic access(es).
43. Manual or automatic garage door?
44. If no storage in house, shed takes away from yard space.
45. Fence?
46. Exterior material: wood must be repainted and can rot, vinyl must be pressure washed, and brick is easier.
47. Gutter placement & quality.
48. Driveway space/guest parking.
49. Crawlspace or slab?
50. Prior to 1978 check for lead.
51. Ceiling fans?
52. Age of water heater.
53. Doors painted interior? Oil or latex?
54. Comparable prices of area?
55. Insulated crawl space and attics?
56. Neighbors age? (it matters if you want to be social)
57. HOA dues?
58. Deed restrictions and covenants?
59. Room flow.
60. Trees over roof = potential damage and perpetual cleaning.
61. Usable yard.
62. Commute in the morning and in the afternoon to see how long it will actually take.
63. Taxes and insurance.
64. Space for a chest freezer.
65. Lawnmower storage.
66. Convenience to stores (grocery).
67. For the loan: check prepay penalty, required escrow, draft options, salary burden, etc.
68. Popcorn ceiling? Asbestos tile?
69. Cable and internet providers.
70. Home phone? Not necessary.
71. Split level hard for guests, children, laundry.
72. Trash pickup and cost.
73. Plan for the future in guest rooms, kid rooms.
74. Difficult to bring groceries from the car?
75. Covered entry from car in the rain?
76. Dishwasher?
77. Check water pressure/smells.
78. Hard or soft water?
79. Water softener?
80. Water filter cost?
81. Air filter location and size.
82. Two story house should have two thermostats.
83. Spigot outside?
84. Outside electrical outlet?
85. Outside water well or on the city? (Wells are cheaper)
86. If gas logs, cost of propane rental.
87. Is house worth updating?
88. Public room size more important than bedroom size.
89. Decks must be up kept in wood, patios in sand or grout.
90. Driveway quality; asphalt buckles and concrete cracks.
91. Street noise/ambient noise?
92. Safety for kids in the yard (pond, street, etc.)
93. School district?
94. Check for drafts (use a match).
95. Caulking around tubs.
96. Change the locks when you move it.
97. Make the keys matching.
98.Will your furniture fit in the house?
99. Outdoor lighting?
100. Don’t get frustrated with offers falling through. It’s not meant to be.
101. If you don’t absolutely love the house, don’t get it.