Things to pay attention to when looking to buy a house...

Does anyone have a list of items that you look for when you go to buy a house?

We started one after we bought the house on Slade, and we have gradually added to it over time.

If you have any additional suggestions, please leave a comment...I would love to hear them!  I know there are lots of things that aren't on here that would be helpful in the hunt this weekend.

Here is our random, running list...


  1. Has basement ever flooded?
  2. Have seller fix as much as you can have them do on the inspection list
  3. Drive by at different times of the day/night to check out the scene
  4. Pay attention to how busy the street is
  5. Do windows open?
  6. Age of roof!
  7. Are shower heads tall enough?
  8. School district
  9. Pay attention to neighbors and their yards, dogs, etc.
  10. Fenced yard
  11. Get different mortgage quotes
  12. Security system?
  13. Gas/Electric appliances
  14. Motion sensor/outside safety lights
  15. Age of AC/Heater
  16. Age of water heater
  17. Paint condition – chipped, cracks in walls, etc.
  18. Cable jacks/phone jacks
  19. Water pressure
  20. Air return location
  21. Level Lot
  22. Window treatments
  23. Lead paint
  24. Electrical – all up to date?
  25. Flooding of yard?
  26. Sex Offenders close by?  (I know that sounds weird, but we learned to take this into account after we moved in and learned there were a couple sex offenders living in a house close to us)


Hmmm...I would love to live on post if I could get one of these houses...