House Hunting Checklist: What To Check at Every Showing
After three showings in one afternoon, the homes blur together. Use the same checklist at each one and score them while you're still in the driveway.
Before you go
- ☐ Your must-haves and nice-to-haves list
- ☐ Phone for photos and notes (ask before filming)
- ☐ A flashlight and a small outlet tester, if you like
Outside
- ☐ Roof: missing shingles, sagging, age (ask)
- ☐ Gutters and drainage: does water flow away from the house?
- ☐ Foundation: large cracks, uneven ground
- ☐ Windows and doors: condition, rot
- ☐ Driveway, walkways and yard
Inside
- ☐ Layout: does it fit how you live?
- ☐ Natural light and noise
- ☐ Stains on ceilings or walls (possible leaks)
- ☐ Musty smells, especially in basements
- ☐ Doors and windows open and close properly
- ☐ Water pressure and how fast hot water comes
- ☐ Age of the furnace, AC and water heater (labels often show dates)
- ☐ Electrical panel: ask about its age and any upgrades
- ☐ Enough outlets, closets and storage
Kitchen and bathrooms
- ☐ Cabinets, counters and appliances
- ☐ Signs of leaks under sinks
- ☐ Ventilation fans
Neighborhood
- ☐ Commute at rush hour
- ☐ Schools, if relevant
- ☐ Grocery, pharmacy, parks
- ☐ Drive by at night and on a weekend
- ☐ Flood zone (check FEMA's flood maps) and insurance costs
Ask the agent
- ☐ Why are the sellers moving?
- ☐ How long has it been on the market?
- ☐ HOA rules and dues
- ☐ Average utility bills and property taxes
Score it
Rate each home 1–5 on the things that matter most to you. A home inspection comes later; this list helps you decide which home is worth an offer.
General information. Not a substitute for a professional home inspection.
The First-Time Home Buyer Binder includes a house hunting checklist and a showing scorecard that totals automatically.
First-Time Home Buyer Binder — $17
18-page binder from pre-approval to closing: affordability worksheet, Loan Estimate comparison, showing scorecard, inspection, wire-fraud check and closing day. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
Get the First-Time Home Buyer BinderFamily Paperwork Bundle — $34More guides
- First-Time Home Buyer Checklist: 10 Steps From Savings to Keys
- How Much House Can I Afford? A Worksheet for First-Time Buyers
- Mortgage Pre-Approval Documents Checklist
- How To Compare Loan Estimates (Line by Line)
- Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers: What To Ask and Look For
- Closing Disclosure Checklist: What To Check Before Closing
- Real Estate Wire Fraud: How To Protect Your Down Payment
- Final Walkthrough and Closing Day Checklist for Buyers
- First Month as a Homeowner: The New Owner Checklist