House Hunting: Things to Look For
All consumers shopping for real estate - whether they're first time buyers or experienced homeowners - want to buy their ideal house. And, it's very easy to get lost in the choices with all the homes in Garland, Texas that look like possibilities (list price, location, etc.).
To help you narrow your "good enough" list from the computer to the list of properties you visit, take this checklist along when you go house hunting. Highlight the items that are most valuable to you. It'll help you put things in line and use true to life ways to measure the houses you're seeing. By using this list, you'll easily see at a glance the attributes of two or three homes. Click here to print this page.
Buying a home is a huge investment. We can give you advice about choosing a home that you'll love. Contact us and we can help you get on the right track to the house of your dreams.
| Home Buyer Checklist | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Home Address | . | . | . |
| Listing Price | $ | $ | $ |
| Real Estate Taxes | $ | $ | $ |
| The Neighborhood | |||
| Minutes Away From the Job | . | . | . |
| Minutes Away From Schools | . | . | . |
| Miles Away From Shops / Restaurants | . | . | . |
| Interstates Nearby | . | . | . |
| Close to Train Stations | . | . | . |
| Miles Away From Physicians | . | . | . |
| Miles Away From Place of Worship | . | . | . |
| Garbage Collection | . | . | . |
| Traffic Warnings | . | . | . |
| Bike Friendly | . | . | . |
| Streets / Alleys Well-Maintained | . | . | . |
| Type of Traffic | . | . | . |
| Parks | . | . | . |
| Neighbors' Properties Well-Maintained | . | . | . |
| Major Appliances Available | . | . | . |
| HOA Restrictions | . | . | . |
| Near Airports / Trains | . | . | . |
| Area Zoned Residential | . | . | . |
| Near Industry | . | . | . |
| Proposed Special Assessments | . | . | . |
| Environmental Concerns / Influences | . | . | . |
| The Home | |||
| Age of House | . | . | . |
| No. of Stories | . | . | . |
| Wood Frame, Brick Frame or Siding | . | . | . |
| Roof Condition | . | . | . |
| Quality of Foundation | . | . | . |
| General Exterior Condition | . | . | . |
| Multi-Car Garage | . | . | . |
| No. of Bathrooms | . | . | . |
| No. of Closets | . | . | . |
| No. of Bedrooms | . | . | . |
| Oil, Gas or Electric Heat | . | . | . |
| Insulation | . | . | . |
| Central Air Conditioning | . | . | . |
| Energy-Conservation Features | . | . | . |
| Age of Heating System | . | . | . |
| Age of Water Heater | . | . | . |
| Capacity of Water Heater | . | . | . |
| Age of Electrical Wiring | . | . | . |
| Quality of Plumbing Pipes | . | . | . |
| Estimated Water Bill | $ | $ | $ |
| Estimated Heating Bill | $ | $ | $ |
| Estimated Electric Bill | $ | $ | $ |
| Living Spaces | . | . | . |
| Fireplace | . | . | . |
| Separate Dining Space | . | . | . |
| Family Room | . | . | . |
| Carpeting - No. of Rooms | . | . | . |
| Eat-In Kitchen | . | . | . |
| Refrigerator | . | . | . |
| Stove / Oven (Gas / Electric) | . | . | . |
| Garbage Disposal | . | . | . |
| Dishwasher | . | . | . |
| Broken / Drafty Windows | . | . | . |
| Storm Windows / Screens | . | . | . |
| Washer / Dryer Outlets | . | . | . |
| Laundry Room | . | . | . |
| Converted Basement | . | . | . |
| Attic | . | . | . |
| Sump Pump / Drainage | . | . | . |
| Connected to Sewer System | . | . | . |
| Patio / Deck | . | . | . |
| Backyard Fence | . | . | . |
| Curb Appeal | . | . | . |
| Property Boundaries | . | . | . |
| Security (dead bolts, detectors) | . | . | . |
| Building Code | . | . | . |
| Compliance | . | . | . |
| Ability to Expand / Enlarge House | . | . | . |