Checklist

CHECKLIST: Remember the homes you visit!

Buyers look at an average of 10-25 homes before settling on the one! That's a lot to keep track of, especially considering all of the pros, cons, and features of each.
I want my buyers to make the best use of their time looking at homes, so I keep notes of their comments on all items throughout the home. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the wonderful!

We can use this checklist to track and compare the homes you visit. With this handy record, you'll make fewer revisits and have an easier time determining the best house for you. One tip: You might want to bring a digital camera to take pictures of homes and features that you really like so you can look through them later to refresh your memory.
Besides jotting down notes on each relevant item, you may want to rate features, with 10 being the best and 0 being nonexistent. (If a particular item holds more importance for you, add more points.) Average your ratings for an overall score.

GENERAL
Neighborhood/location______________
Curb appeal/exterior______________
View______________
Age of house______________
Amount of natural light______________
Square footage and room sizes______________
Floor plan and traffic flow______________

INTERIOR (note age and condition where appropriate)
Flooring______________
Wall color, coverings______________
Cracks, crumbling walls______________
Bathrooms______________
Water pressure______________
Appliances______________
Air conditioning________ Central Air________ Window Units_________ None________
"Wired" features*______________
General storage space______________
Kitchen storage______________
Items included/excluded ______________

EXTERIOR (note age and condition where appropriate)
Gutters______________Clean?______Covered?_______
Chimney/fireplace______________
Roof______________
Garage size_________Attached________ Detached________
Landscaping/outdoor seating areas______________

OVERALL RATING:______________
Notes and overall impressions______________
* High-speed data lines, cable connection, jacks _______________
** Appliances, lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, window treatments, furniture, built-ins _______________

Note: This list should not replace a formal inspection by a licensed professional home inspector.

"A house is made of walls and beams. A home is built with love and dreams."
Source of rating idea: Ralph Roberts with Ralph R. Roberts Real Estate, Warren, Mich.