House-Hunting Checklist

1. Confirm the home fits your pre-approval Check the full monthly payment with taxes and insurance — not just list price. Our payment calculator does this in 30 seconds.
2. Check property taxes for the specific home Taxes vary block to block and can swing the payment by hundreds.
3. Note the age of the roof, furnace, and water heater The three most expensive surprises. Ask, or look for the labels.
4. Test water pressure and look under sinks Run a faucet, flush a toilet, peek for stains and soft spots.
5. Open the electrical panel Look for a modern breaker panel and note anything labeled in crayon.
6. Walk the basement and smell it Musty smell, efflorescence on walls, or fresh paint on just one wall are all telling you something.
7. Check windows and note their age A house of failing windows is a five-figure line item in disguise.
8. Drive the commute at rush hour The house doesn't move. Your patience might.
9. Visit the neighborhood at night and on a weekend Every street has two personalities. Meet both.
10. Check eligibility perks for the address Some addresses qualify for USDA 0%-down or assistance programs. Send us the listing — we'll check in minutes.

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