Oakland, California Home Buyer Checklist

It's a given that home buyers - whether they're first time buyers or experienced homeowners - want to buy their dream home. And, it's common to become overwhelmed with all the houses in Oakland that seem like good candidates (neighborhood, architecture style, etc.).

To help you streamline your "contender" list from the computer to the list of houses you tour, take this Home Buyer Checklist along when you go house hunting. Put an emphasis on the items that are most valuable to you. It'll help you put a home's characteristics into perspective and use practical ways to measure the houses you've been picking out. Keeping this list handy, you'll easily compare the features of two or three homes. Click here to print this page.

Home Buyer Checklist	1	2	3
Home Address
Listing Price	$	$	$
Real Estate Taxes	$	$	$
The Community
Minutes Away From the Job
Miles Away From Schools
Minutes Away From Stores / Dining
Highways Nearby
Miles Away From Train Stations
Near Doctors / Dentists
Close to Place of Worship
Garbage Collection
Street Lights
Sidewalks
Streets / Alleys Well-Maintained
Traffic Volume
Playgrounds
Neighbors' Properties Well-Maintained
All Utilities Installed
HOA Restrictions
Minutes Away From Airports / Trains
Area Zoned Residential
Near Industry
Proposed Special Assessments
Green-Friendly Neighborhood
The Home
Year House Built
No. of Stories
Wood Frame, Brick Frame or Siding
Quality of Roof
Foundation Quality
General Exterior Condition
Garage Size
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 Spaces
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 Room
Finished Basement
Attic
Sump Pump / Drainage
Connected to Sewer System
Patio / Deck
Backyard Fence
Curb Appeal
Property Line
Safety (dead bolts, detectors)
Building Code
Compliance
Ability to Renovate / Enlarge Home