Home Buyer’s Checklist for Your Home Search

Home Buyer’s Checklist: This detailed home buyer checklist can help you organize your home search.

1. The Hazardous Materials Inspection Report
2. The Soils Report
3. The Structural Engineer’s Report
4. The Home Inspection Report
5. The Radon Inspection Report
6. The Termite Inspection Report
7. The Home Warranty Policy
8. The Survey or ILC (Improvement Location Certificate)
9. The Subdivision Plat Map
10. The Floor Plan Drawings
11. The Current Appraisal (within the last 3 months)
12. The Current Well Inspection Reports (within the last 3 months)
    a. The Potability Report
    b. The Production Report
    c. The Recovery Rate Report
    d. The Well Permit
    e. The Well Log
13. The Current Septic Inspection Reports (within the last 3 months)
    a. Evidence that septic tank has been pumped
    b. The Septic Inspection Report
    c. The Septic Permit
14. Subdivision Covenants
15. HOA Rules and Regulations
16. Easements or Encroachments affecting the property
17. Rights of Way affecting the property
18. Building Permits for all improvements on the property
19. Owner’s list of all improvements done without building permits
20. Owner’s list of all non conforming uses of the property
21. Flood Zone Information
22. Zoning and Use Information
23. Mining, Abandoned Mines and Subsidence Potential Information
24. Legal proceedings which may affect the property
    a. Foreclosure Proceedings (current or anticipated)
    b. Tax Liens or Filings (current or anticipated)
    c. Lis Pendens (notice of legal actions to be filed)
    d. Lawsuits (current or anticipated)
    e. Bankruptcy (current or anticipated)
    f. Divorce Proceedings or Decrees (current or anticipated)
    g. Zoning or Use Changes affecting the property
    h. Other
25. Encumbrances affecting the property
26. Loan Information (if assumption)
    a. Lender name, address and phone number
    b. Loan Number
    c. Loan Balance
    d. Loan Date, Rate, Term, Amount and Conditions
27. Monthly Utility Bills for Last 12 Months
    a. Electric
    b. Gas (propane, oil, etc.)
    c. Water
28. Owner’s list of all energy features
29. The Home Energy Efficiency Rating Report
30. Home Owner Association information (name, address, and phone)
31. Owner’s list of all major repairs or improvements (including date)
32. Owner’s list of all Warranties which are still current
33. Information on neighborhood organizations/amenities
34. Information about area schools and churches
35. Access to private and public transportation
36. Megan’s Law information
37. Synthetic Stucco (Exterior Insulation and Finishing System)
38. Any additional documentation owner has about home or property
39. List of the best features of the home, property and area
40. List of the worst features and how they would affect you
41. Anything else that might be of interest to you