Home Buying Checklist
This checklist may be helpful as a starting point, if you are thinking of buying a property. You can add/remove items to your heart’s content, then print it out.
- Work out how much mortgage you can afford.
- Decide what you can afford to spend.
No matter how much you can borrow, having borrowed too much you may have to cut back on other expenses such as holidays or entertainment. Consider how your day-to-day cash flow will be affected. - Make your wish list.
Consider what features you would like, what you don’t like, and what you would find useful or more comfortable. Determine your housing needs and wants to determine what types of houses you should be considering. Consider the general location. - Begin house-hunting.
Start with the Internet. Read the estate agents sections of your local newspaper. Visit the area . Don’t just drive around. Get out of your car and walk.
Costs of home ownership
Sales tax
Legal Fees
Moving Costs
Repairs and renovation
Survey fees
Sales tax
Mortgage payments
Property taxes
Utilities: gas, water, cable television, telephone
Insurance
Gardening etc.
House
Age of House, Square footage, Type of Construction
Practicality of floorplan
Ability to Expand/Enlarge House
Interior walls condition
Age of Heating System
Age of Water Heater
Age of Electrical Wiring
Estimated Water Bill
Estimated Heating Bill
Oil Heat
Gas Heat
Electric Heat
Hot Water Heat
Estimated Electric Bill
Number of Stories
Number of Bathrooms
Number of Bedrooms
Roof Condition
Foundation Condition
Energy-Conservation Features
Plumbing condition
Kitchen Eating Area
Overall Exterior Condition
Garage Size
Fence
Landscaping
Neighbourhood
EnvironmentÂ
Near Churches
Near Doctors/Dentists
Near Industry
Near Public Transport
Near Schools
Near Shopping
Near Work
Noise Levels
Parking
Parks
Pet restrictions
Police
Restaurants/entertainment
Safety/Security
Shopping
Streets
Street Lights
Supermarket
The Neighbourhood
Traffic Volume