The Property Walkthrough Checklist

What to look for before you even call an inspector.

• Walk the whole property, not just the rooms you like.
• Check the roof from the ground. Look for missing shingles, sagging, or stains on the ceiling inside.
• Look for water stains on ceilings and walls. That usually means a leak or bad drainage.
• Check the foundation. Big cracks are a red flag. Hairline cracks are usually normal settling.
• Test every faucet and toilet. Turn them on, flush them, watch for slow drains or weak pressure.
• Check the water heater's age. It's usually stamped on the tank. Most last 8 to 12 years.
• Look at the electrical panel. Old fuse boxes or exposed wiring mean a repair cost, and sometimes a red flag.
• Check the HVAC. Turn on the heat and the AC if you can. Listen for strange noises and ask its age.
• Walk the yard and check drainage. Standing water near the foundation is a bad sign.
• Open and close the windows. Stuck windows or foggy double panes mean replacement costs later.
• Smell the basement or crawl space. A musty smell usually means moisture or mold.
• Take photos of everything. You'll forget half of what you saw by the time you leave.