Real Estate Tips

Home Buying Checklist

You're sure you've found your home. It's stunning, in the right neighborhood, and very affordable. Everything is perfect. Or is it?

Having your prospective home inspected by a professional is an important step to home ownership. It can reveal things that you might not be able to spot yourself. And by identifying any potential problems up front, you may convince the seller to either fix them or reimburse any repairs.

But before you shell out any money, do a simple pre-inspection yourself. Print the following checklist and take it with you. Not only is it a helpful guide for homebuyers, but it also signals you're a smart shopper and know how to buy a home.

If too many problems turn up here, it may be a signal for you to search elsewhere.

ITEM	CHECK FOR
Foundation	Cracks, shifting or settling Bolted to foundation for earthquake safety Mudsill should be dry (this is the part of the house that rests on the foundation)
Windows	Dry rot on panes, sills and frames Cracks in glass Windows open properly and seal tightly Moisture damage inside
Electrical systems	Properly working outlets, lights and switches If the system has been updated (3-prong outlets, circuit breakers, etc. — for older houses) GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) outlets in the bathroom and kitchen Broken or loose outlets
Plumbing	Leaks around pipes and fixtures Water pressure (try more than one faucet at once) Test hot water pressure (same method) Walls around shower and for water damage Rust or leaking around hot water heater The water heater being up to code
Fireplace / Chimney	Crumbling mortar around brickwork Stability of chimney and any obstructions
Roof	Leaking or cracks Age of the shingles Nearby overhanging trees
Pests	Termite / beetle holes in wooden supports Attic vents for hornet / wasp nests Rodent droppings in cupboards and under house
Floor	Water damage, especially around plumbing fixtures Soft spots in floor Water-damaged floorboards and supports under the house
Kitchen	Operational appliances and faucet
Hazardous materials	Asbestos and lead stairs and walkways Make sure that all stairs and walkways (inside and out) are free of obstructions Firm stepping stones Steady railings
Pool/Spa	Working cleaning / filtering system Leaks or cracks
Paint	Cracking or peeling paint
Furnace	An operational thermostat Clean and clear venting

Items Needed When Applying For a Mortgage Loan
Provide originals or legible photocopies

2 of your most recent Pay Stubs covering a one month period.
2 years of Tax Returns all schedules including W-2’s.
Awards letters verifying any Social Security, Disability, Pension, Retirement, etc.
2 months Bank Statements on all accounts, including all pages of the statement.
Most recent copy of 401k/Retirement Statement.
Most recent copy of Stocks/Bonds Statement.
Copy of Divorce Decree signed by the judge. If alimony or child support is received 12 months of proof is needed. (Canceled checks or bank statements.)
Copy of Bankruptcy Papers all schedules including the Discharge Papers.
Copy of Purchase Agreement/Sales Contract with any addenda.