HOME BUYER CHECKLIST

Reviewed: 2026-06-13

PREPARATION
- Define must-haves, tradeoffs, and property-type priorities.
- Review income, debt, savings, and monthly affordability.
- Check credit reports and correct obvious errors.
- Compare financing options and lender requirements.
- Gather lender documents: ID, pay stubs, W-2s or 1099s, tax returns, bank statements, reserves.

SEARCH AND DUE DILIGENCE
- Narrow neighborhoods before expanding tours.
- Research flood zone and evacuation zone.
- Estimate taxes, homeowners insurance, flood insurance, and HOA dues.
- Review association budgets, rules, and assessments when applicable.
- Check public records, permits, and surveys.

CONTRACT AND INSPECTIONS
- Confirm earnest money, escrow, and contingency deadlines.
- Schedule general inspections and specialty inspections where relevant.
- Evaluate roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, pool, seawall, dock, mold, termite, and structural issues.
- Review four-point and wind-mitigation implications where relevant.

CLEAR TO CLOSE
- Finalize insurance.
- Track appraisal, underwriting, title work, and survey questions.
- Review Closing Disclosure.
- Confirm wire instructions through a trusted, verified source.
- Complete final walk-through.

POST-CLOSING
- Transfer utilities.
- Save title policy, settlement statement, survey, insurance records, warranties, and repair receipts.
- Review homestead exemption timing where applicable.