HOME BUYING GUIDE: HOME TOUR CHECKLIST

When touring potential homes to purchase, it's vital to observe various aspects of the property to make an informed decision. Pay attention to the home's exterior for foundation issues and roof conditions. Inside, check electrical and plumbing systems, and assess structural elements like cracks. Don't forget to evaluate the backyard and major systems such as HVAC and water heaters. Asking key questions about the home's history can provide further insights.

By thoroughly inspecting the property and asking the right questions, you'll be better prepared to decide if the home is a viable candidate, potentially identifying future maintenance needs and ensuring peace of mind before making an offer.

• 🔍 Check the exterior for foundational cracks and roof condition.
• 🛠 Ensure the inside is free of major cracks and that plumbing/electrical systems function properly.
• ⚡ Pay attention to the natural light and assess the home's overall feel.
• 📐 Evaluate the backyard for lot size, drainage, and fence condition.
• 🔧 Inspect major systems like HVAC, water heaters, and electrical panels for age and condition.
• ⏳ Ask about the home's time on the market, offers, and renovation history.
• 📝 After tours, compare notes and make a reasoned decision about next steps.

As you arrive at the property or while you wait to go inside, take a moment to notice the following things:

• 🔍 Foundation: Are there cracks in the home's foundation? Cracks in the driveway and walkway are also worth noting, but typically not as big of a concern.
• 🛠 Roof and Gutters: Does the roof show signs of wear or damage? Are there broken or missing tiles or shingles? Are there functioning gutters?
• 🧹 How's it look? Deferred maintenance could be a sign of deeper issues caused by neglect of the home.
• 🏘 How's it feel? The vibe and general condition of the neighborhood are important factors to consider.

Once inside, be observant of both cosmetic details and structural integrity. Pay close attention to common problem areas such as:

• 🔍 Cracks and Settling: Look for cracks in the walls or ceiling or uneven floors that might signal structural issues. Some settling cracks develop normally over time, but larger cracks could be a concern.
• 🔌 Electrical and Plumbing: Test light switches and faucets to ensure proper functioning and identify potential problems. Look under sinks and around the toilet and shower for signs of water damage or leaks.
• 🌞 Natural Light: Note the direction the home faces and how light enters during different times of the day.

Focusing on these areas during the tour will not only assess the property’s current state but also foresee future maintenance needs, creating peace of mind before making an offer.

:

• 📐 Lot Size: Evaluate the yard’s size, condition, and potential maintenance requirements.
• 💧 Drainage: Check for any signs of pooling water. This could be from broken sprinklers or improper drainage. Fixing drainage and re-grading can get expensive.
• 🛠 Fences: Test the condition of the fences, they should not move much when shaken lightly.
• 🪴 Plants: Potted plants are typically not included with the sale, but could be negotiable.

A quick visual inspection of the home's main systems can tell you a lot about what potential costs could be waiting in the future.

• 🥵 HVAC: Find the HVAC unit condenser in the backyard (sometimes on the roof) and visually assess the condition. There is usually a date of manufacture printed on the unit, but it can be hard to find. Look up the brand and model for further information.
• 💧 Water Heater: A standard water heater is usually in the garage or a dedicated closet, find it to identify the age. California's code was updated in 2010 to require expansion tanks on top of the water heater, so if it doesn't have one of those, chances are it was installed prior to 2010 and is nearing the end of its lifespan. (8-12 years)
• 🧊 Appliances: Are the appliances included with the sale? If so, research the brand and model for recalls and additional information. If not, be sure to consider the additional cost to buy appliances when you move.
• 🔌 Electrical Panel: Find the panel (usually on the side of the home) to visually assess the age and condition. Look up the model information to see potential recall information.
• ☀️ Solar Panels: There is typically a ~20 year lease agreement signed when solar panels are installed on a home. You'll want to get a copy of this and do further research into the solar provider and the equipment installed on the property.

The main systems of the home can be some of the most expensive to repair or replace. By inspecting them visually, you can get an idea of what may need to be replaced sooner than later. A home inspection report will provide a more thorough professional evaluation of all these systems.

During your tour, make sure to ask essential questions such as:

• 📆 How long has the home been on the market?
• ✍️ Are there any current offers on the property?
• ⏳ What is the age and condition of major systems like HVAC and plumbing?
• 📖 Are there any inspection reports or disclosures available?
• 👷 Has the home undergone major renovations, and were they performed with proper permits?

Armed with answers to these questions, you'll gain invaluable insights into the home's condition and the seller’s urgency, allowing you to make a more competitive and informed offer. Check out 15 Questions to Ask at Open Houses for more valuable information.

After touring, take the time to debrief and compare notes. Create a checklist or a rating system for each home, focusing on factors such as livability, potential repair costs, and neighborhood appeal. Based on this, decide your next steps—whether that means making an offer, scheduling a second tour, or continuing your search.

This methodical approach maximizes the time and effort spent in your search, ensuring the eventual decision feels right both financially and emotionally.