HOUSE HUNTING CHECKLIST
Home Location Address Asking Price Annual Property Taxes
House Hunting Checklist
Mortgage Terms Zoning Restrictions (ask the REALTOR ®)
THE HOME’S EXTERIOR Lot size/shape
Position of home on lot (compass directions)
Number of stories
Siding Brick
Private
Brick veneer
Shared driveway
Wood Aluminum
General condition
Combination
Condition of siding and paint
Large front yard Side yard Rear yard Attached garage Landscaping condition
Detached garage One-car garage Two-car garage Uncovered parking One pad parking space
Mature trees, shrubs, etc.
Soil type/condition
Home’s appearance from street
Two pad parking spaces
Condition of walkways to front door
Covered front porch Enclosed front porch
Large backyard, fenced? Type of home (detached, duplex etc.)
how realtors help.ca What you need to know about buying or selling your home.
©2006 The Canadian Real Estate Association. All Rights Reserved.
HOUSE HUNTING CHECKLIST
House Hunting Checklist Backyard privacy?
Eaves troughs and downspouts
Patio/decking
Type of foundation: Raised well above ground? Visible cracks?
Swimming pool (Above-ground) Swimming pool (Below-ground)
Structural appearance: Straight lines, corners?
General condition
Possible problems? Condition of walkways to front door
The home’s interior Storage shed
(room sizes can be taken from MLS® listing)
Type of roof/general condition/age Separate front hallway Closet for winter coats Soundproofing between shared walls Recent roof repairs; What was done? Receipts?
how realtors help.ca What you need to know about buying or selling your home.
©2006 The Canadian Real Estate Association. All Rights Reserved.
HOUSE HUNTING CHECKLIST
House Hunting Checklist THE HOME’S INTERIOR Doors/Windows Single pane
Type of countertop/condition
Thermopane Open and close without sticking?
General condition
Locks and latches work?
Floor type/condition
Other rooms
Number of bedrooms Kitchen Floor type/condition General size/colours
Eat-in area
Windows: Number, size
Cooking/food-preparation island Sufficient cupboard space/condition Pantry Single sink
Number of bathrooms
Double sink
Condition
Ensuite bathroom?
Floor type/condition
Sufficient countertop space
how realtors help.ca What you need to know about buying or selling your home.
©2006 The Canadian Real Estate Association. All Rights Reserved.
HOUSE HUNTING CHECKLIST
House Hunting Checklist Family/living room Fireplace/wood-burning stove
Systems Electrical Amperage, fuses or circuit breakers, adequate outlets,
Floor type/condition
general condition, aluminum or copper wiring, meet current codes
Separate dining room Plumbing Floor type/condition
Basement
Copper pipes or other material, signs of leaks, recent repairs, age; meet current codes?
Water service
Adequate headroom
City-supplied or well, if well, drilled or dug?
Finished?
Ever run dry?
Door to outside
Water quality recently tested for potability?
Utility area (washer/dryer sold with house)
Capacity, age of pump, size of feeder line from well to
Storage areas
house, water agreement?
Cracks in wall or floors Drained or sump pump Evidence of flood/moisture? Recent renovations Done by seller or professionally: ask to see receipts
Sewer or septic system If septic; where is septic field?
General condition
Holding tank and system recently checked?
how realtors help.ca What you need to know about buying or selling your home.
©2006 The Canadian Real Estate Association. All Rights Reserved.
HOUSE HUNTING CHECKLIST
House Hunting Checklist Heating
Day care
Type (oil, gas, electric, steam, baseboard combination,
Recreation centre
heat pump) age, output, recent repairs
Public swimming pool Public tennis courts Golf course Skating rink Hockey arena/ball park
Air-conditioning
Restaurants
Type (window, central), age; size, recent repairs
Theaters Public library Places of worship Major roads/highways Public transportation
Hot-water heater
Possible problems
Leased or owned, gas or electric, number of gallons,
(traffic congestion, train tracks, industrial sites)
efficiency, age Local neighbourhood Urban, suburban, rural Older or newer; estimate age Insulation Type, rating, any asbestos or UFFI?
Types of homes (detached, link or semi-detached, apartments, etc)
Age group of homeowners Ask to see copies of recent utility bills Quiet streets Cable TV service Adequate room outlets Community Close to: Schools City services (fire, police, hospital) Medical (doctor, dentist, etc.) Shopping (grocery, pharmacy, etc.) Parks
Adequate street lights Visible power and telephone lines Well-cared-for homes and yards Sidewalks; general condition Space between homes Adequate street parking, overnight parking restrictions? Possible problems (junked cars, poorly maintained roads, poor drainage, etc.)
Playgrounds
how realtors help.ca What you need to know about buying or selling your home.
©2006 The Canadian Real Estate Association. All Rights Reserved.
