Oakland, California Home Comparison: Things to Look For

All house hunters - whether new to the process or experienced - want to buy their dream house. And, it's common to lose sight of your goals with all the houses in Oakland, California that look like possibilities (list price, location, etc.).

To help you narrow down your "possibilities" list from the computer to the list of places you tour, take this checklist along when you go house hunting. Put an emphasis on the items that are most important to you. It'll help you put things into perspective and use practical ways to measure the houses you're seeing. Keeping this list handy, you can compare and contrast the attributes of up to three houses. Click here to print this page.

Buying a home is a big step. I can give you advice about choosing a place that you'll call home. Contact me and I can help you make the decision that leads you to the home of your dreams.
Home Buyer Checklist 1 2 3
Property Address      
Asking Price $ $ $
Real Estate Taxes $ $ $
The Community
Minutes Away From Work      
Close to Schools      
Close to Shopping      
Expressways Nearby      
Close to Bus Stops      
Near Physicians      
Close to Churches      
Garbage Collection      
Street Lights      
Bike Friendly      
Streets / Alleys Well-Maintained      
Heavy Traffic      
Playgrounds      
Neighbors' Properties Well-Maintained      
Major Appliances Available      
HOA Rules      
Close to Airports / Trains      
Area Zoned Residential      
Near Industry      
Proposed Special Assessments      
Green-Friendly Neighborhood      
The Home
Year House Built      
No. of Floors      
Wood Frame, Brick Frame or Siding      
Roof Appearance      
Foundation Condition      
Overall 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      
Plumbing Condition      
Estimated Water Bill $ $ $
Estimated Heating Bill $ $ $
Estimated Electric Bill $ $ $
Living Room      
Fireplace      
Separate Dining Space      
Family Room      
Carpeting - No. of Rooms      
Kitchen Eating Area      
Refrigerator      
Stove / Oven (Gas / Electric)      
Garbage Disposal      
Dishwasher      
Broken / Drafty Windows      
Storm Windows / Screens      
Washer / Dryer Outlets      
Laundry Space      
Finished Basement      
Attic      
Sump Pump / Drainage      
Connected to Sewer System      
Patio / Deck      
Backyard Fence      
Curb Appeal      
Property Boundaries      
Safety (dead bolts, detectors)      
Building Code      
Compliance      
Ability to Renovate / Enlarge House      
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Thomas-Chambers Company
BRE # 01208644

449 W MacArthur Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94609