House Hunting Checklist

Navigating the complexities of finding a dream home can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the home-buying process. This comprehensive House Hunting Checklist is designed to simplify your journey and assist you in finding the perfect property that meets your specific needs in Ontario, Canada.

 

How to Use The House Hunting Checklist

1. Print the Checklist: Having a physical copy on hand during house viewings can be more convenient. You'll be able to jot down details immediately and refer to them later.

2. Familiarize Yourself: Before you start, take a moment to read through the checklist. This will give you an idea of what details to look for when you're inspecting a potential home.

3. Prioritize: Not every feature on the list may be crucial to you. Identify your 'must-haves' and 'nice-to-haves'. This will help you make decisions faster when you're comparing multiple properties.

4. Take Notes: There's a lot to absorb during a house viewing. Write down as many details as you can for each item on the checklist. Don't forget to record the address and asking price of each property.

5. Review: After each visit, take some time to review your notes while the memory is still fresh. Make sure you've recorded all the necessary details.

6. Compare: Use the checklist to compare different properties. It can help you weigh the pros and cons, and make an informed decision.

Remember, this checklist is a tool to guide your house hunting process. Every home and every homebuyer is unique, so adapt the checklist to suit your personal preferences and circumstances. Happy house hunting!

 

Home Details

Home Location:  _____________________________________________________
Address:  ____________________________________________________________
Asking Price:  ________________________________________________________
Annual Property Taxes:  ______________________________________________
Mortgage Terms:  ____________________________________________________
Zoning Restrictions (consult with a top Ontario real estate agent):  _______________________________

 

Exterior Home Features

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

 

Interior Home Features

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
• Possible problems: train tracks/congestion/on busy or noisy main road

 

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

 

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