A house hunting checklist is more than just a list. This is a strategy. With so many properties to consider, a checklist will help you narrow your search to a home that really suits your lifestyle and goals. Without a checklist, you risk making emotional decisions, missing out on the red flag, or settling down for a home that doesn’t meet your needs. Whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Denver or a tour house in Seattle, this Redfin House Hunting Checklist will help you choose the perfect home for you.
What to do before you start a house hunt?
Before you visit the home, make sure you are financially and mentally ready to buy. Where should you start:
You will receive pre-approval for your mortgage. This shows you are a serious buyer, providing a clear price range to strengthen your offers in a competitive market and shop. Hire experienced real estate agents. It helps you find people with local expertise and strong negotiation skills to meet your criteria, schedule exhibits, interpret market trends, and identify homes that will create competitive offers. I chose the right neighborhood. Think about your daily lifestyle: commute time, proximity to schools and parks, and access to public transport. Walking ease, future development plans, and safety assessments can also affect decisions and home values. Think about the type of house you are looking for. Think about how much space you need, the level of comfort, whether you prefer a new build or a house with characters. When you’re ready to take the next step, check out Redfin’s Home Buyer Checklist.
What should I look for in the house?
When it comes to interior design, functionality is just as important as style. Think beyond your appearance – your home should suit your daily life, storage needs and future plans.
area. Determine the minimum area that suits your lifestyle (enough space for furniture, storage, and future needs) and the maximum value you don’t think is overwhelming to maintain. Number (and size) of bedrooms. Think about how many people live in your home and how the room will be used. Do you need a guest room, home office or nursery? Think about flexibility as your needs evolve. Number (and size) of bathrooms. How many full and half buses do I need? Consider whether you need an EN suite in your main bedroom, or if you need a bathroom of each level or extra space for accessibility and privacy. Basement or cellar. Is the basement important for storage, home gyms, or future finishing possibilities? Decide whether you prefer complete, partially finished or unfinished for utility use. laundry. Look at the location (main level, basement, or second floor), noise insulation, and electrical appliance space. A dedicated laundry room may be better than a closet setup. Open or closed floor plans. Open plans allow for a wider and more social feel, while closed layouts provide more privacy and room separation. Choose based on your lifestyle and noise tolerance. Extra: Fireplace, crawl space. It decides whether features like fireplaces and crawl spaces are essential items, look good, or break the contract. These can affect comfort, storage, and even energy use. Accessibility. Think about whether home layouts are friendly to all ages and abilities. The wide corridors, step-by-step entrances and accessible bathrooms can guide future investments. Unauthorized additions. Unauthorized renovations can cause legal and financial headaches. Always ask your agent or inspector to flag these during your tour. The condition of the walls and floors. Check for cracks, flood damage, uneven flooring, and general wear and tears. These may indicate deeper issues with foundation or past repairs. Integrated equipment and systems. Pay attention to HVAC systems, electrical panels, lighting fixtures and appliances. Are they latest? Will they come with the house? odor. Persistent odors from pets, smoke, or mold indicate inadequate maintenance and hidden damage. Don’t overlook this – your nose knows.
What to look for outside the house
The outside of the house will impact everything from curb appeal to privacy and future upgrades. Make sure you check all the boxes as well.
Lot size. Do you need a garden later, space to entertain and expand? Large lots offer flexibility, but also increase maintenance costs. Define the minimum lot size early in the process. garage. Consider whether your connected or separated garage is more functional to suit your needs. Think about the number of vehicles, storage space, and even future EV charging. garden. Assess whether the garden is fenced, flat, shady, or landscaped. Do you provide privacy from your neighbors? Look at the size of your deck or patio, outdoor lighting, gardens, fire holes, or playground possibilities. The condition of the roof. New roofs cost thousands. Look for curling shingles, discolouration, or sagging – signs that may require immediate repairs or replacements. Foundations and drainage. Inspect the foundation cracks, water around the house, or signs of poor drainage. This can lead to expensive structural issues. Siding and paint. Peeled paint or damaged siding may indicate postponed maintenance. Be aware of the type of siding (vinyl, wood, stucco) and whether it suits your maintenance preferences. Window and door. Are the windows energy efficient and properly sealed? Check the window frame, screen and door condition, especially the front entry and sliding patio doors. Driveways and corridors. Consider the size, condition and layout of your driveway. Does it fit multiple cars and guests? Look for cracks and uneven areas on the sidewalk. Noise and privacy. Listen to nearby traffic, construction or airport noise. Look at fencing, tree coverage and window arrangements for privacy from neighbors and street views. Possibility of changing the appearance. Are you planning on installing solar panels, adding pouches, or updating your paneling? Check out the local zoning rules that allow you to restrict HOA restrictions or changes.
What should you think about your neighborhood?
The surrounding area is just as important as the home itself. Explore at different times of the day and consider the following:
Commuting to public transport ratings or school access to parks, groceries, healthcare walking and safety scores proximity future development plans or zoning changes
Questions to ask while hunting
When will the offer be due? Time-sensitive offers can affect your strategy and timeline. How many offers have already been created? This will give you insight into the competition and whether you need to bid on the above questions. Why does the owner sell it? Knowing the seller’s motivations can help you coordinate your offer and negotiations. Is the house for sale “As As”? A “as is” sale may mean that the seller will not perform repairs. Make sure you are satisfied with the risk. Are there any issues with the properties that need to be addressed? Ask about past inspection reports, known issues, or pending maintenance that may affect value or livability.
Find the right home with confidence
House hunting is an exciting and complicated journey, and having a clear checklist can make all the difference. Knowing what to look for inside, outside, and around the community will make you feel confident in every decision you make. Whether you’re attending your first open house or preparing to make an offer, this home’s hunting checklist should be directed at a home that suits both your lifestyle and long-term goals.
