905-885-5115

Feature Image: A checklist of what you’re looking for when house hunting will keep you on track. / Photo credit: Freepik.com

Overwhelmed with all the things you have to think about when buying a home? You aren’t alone! Here’s a handy checklist that you can save or print out to keep track of all the things you’re looking for in a new home so you don’t get distracted!

Home Location:  _____________________________________________________

Address:  ____________________________________________________________

Asking Price:  ________________________________________________________

Annual Property Taxes:  ______________________________________________

Mortgage Terms:  ____________________________________________________

Zoning Restrictions (ask the REALTOR®):  _______________________________

The Home’s Exterior

Lot Details

  • Lot size/shape: __________________
  • Landscaping condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Position of home on lot (compass directions):______________
  • Driveway: private/shared
  • General lot condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Front yard: sm/med/lg
  • Side yard: sm/med/lg
  • Rear yard: sm/med/lg
  • Mature trees, shrubs, etc: yes/no
  • Curb appeal: good/moderate/poor
  • Condition of walkways: good/moderate/poor

Structure Details

  • Number of stories: 1/2/3/4
  • Type of home: _________________
  • Siding: brick/brick veneer/wood/aluminum/combination
  • Condition of siding & paint: good/moderate/poor
  • Garage: attached/detached/one-car/two-car
  • Parking: uncovered/one paid space/ two paid spaces
  • Front porch: covered/enclosed
  • Fenced front yard: yes/no
  • Fenced backyard: yes/no
  • Eaves troughs and downspouts: good/moderate/poor
  • Patio/deck: good/moderate/poor
  • Swimming pool: above/below/indoor/outdoor/none
  • General pool condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Storage shed: yes/no
  • Type of roof: _________________
  • General roof condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Recent roof repairs: yes/no
  • Repair Receipts: yes/no
  • Roof Age: ____________
  • Type of foundation: raised well above ground/visible cracks

The Home’s Interior

Doors & Windows

  • Windows: single pane/thermopane
  • General window condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Door locks/latches work: yes/no

Kitchen

  • General size/colours: __________________
  • Eat-in area: yes/no
  • Cooking food/prep island: yes/no
  • Sufficient cupboard space: yes/no
  • Sufficient counter space: yes/no
  • Countertop type/condition: __________________
  • Floor type/condition: _____________________
  • Pantry: yes/no
  • Sink: single/double
  • Appliances included: yes/no
  • General appliance condition: good/moderate/poor

Family/Living Room

  • Fireplace: yes/no
  • Living room floor type/condition: __________________
  • Separate dining room: yes/no
  • Dining room floor type/condition: ___________________

Other Home Details

  • Square footage: ____________
  • Foyer closet: yes/no
  • Soundproof & fireproof shared walls: yes/no

Bathrooms

  • No. of Bathrooms: _______
  • Ensuite bathroom: yes/no
  • Floor type/condition: ___________

Bedrooms

  • No. of Bedrooms: _______
  • Floor type/condition: _____________
  • Closets: yes/no

Basement

  • Adequate headroom: yes/no
  • Finished: yes/no
  • Door to outside: yes/no
  • Utility area (laundry): yes/no
  • Storage areas: yes/no
  • Cracks in walls/floor: yes/no
  • Drained or sump pump: ____________
  • Evidence of flood/moisture: yes/no
  • Recent renovations: yes/no
  • General condition: ____________

Electrical System

  • General condition: __________
  • Sufficient outlets: yes/no
  • Amperage: __________
  • Switches: fuses/circuit breakers
  • Wiring: aluminum/copper wiring
  • Meets current codes: yes/no

Plumbing

  • Copper pipes: yes/no
  • Signs of leaks: yes/no
  • Recent repairs: yes/no
  • Age: ________
  • Meets current codes: yes/no

Water Service

  • Source: city/well
  • Well: dug/drilled
  • Does well ever run dry: yes/no
  • Capacity: ______
  • Age of pump: _____
  • Size of feeder line from well to house: ________
  • Water agreement: yes/no
  • Water quality tested for potability: yes/no

Sewage/Septic System

  • Type: sewage/septic
  • Where’s septic field: _______
  • Holding tank & system recently checked: yes/no

Heating

  • Type: oil/gas/electric/steam/baseboard/heat pump/combination
  • Age: _____
  • Output: _____
  • Recent repairs: ______

Air Conditioning

  • Type: window/central
  • Age: _____
  • Size: ______
  • Recent repairs: _______

Hot Water Heater

  • Contract: leased/owned
  • Type: gas/electric
  • No. of gallons: _______
  • Efficiency: ________
  • Age: ________

Insulation:

  • Type: ______
  • Rating: _______
  • Asbestos or UFFI: yes/no

Community

Check all that apply. Close to:

  • Schools
  • City services (fire/police/hospital)
  • Medical (doctor, dentist)
  • Shopping (grocery, pharmacy)
  • Parks
  • Playgrounds
  • Day care
  • Recreation/community centre
  • Public swimming pool
  • Public tennis courts
  • Golf course
  • Skating arena
  • Hockey arena
  • Restaurants
  • Gas station
  • Theatres
  • Public library
  • Major roads/highways
  • Places of worship

Local Neighbourhood

Check all that apply:

  • Urban/suburban/rural
  • Older/newer
  • Type of homes: ________
  • Age group of homeowners: __________
  • Quiet streets
  • Adequate street lights
  • Visible power/telephone lines
  • Well-cared for homes/yards
  • Sidewalks
  • General condition:
  • Space between homes
  • Adequate street parking/overnight parking restrictions
  • Possible problems: poorly maintained roads