Home Buying Checklist | McKenzie Realty Group

Before you start looking

Get clear about what you need and what you can comfortably manage.

Write down your preferred locations, daily driving needs and must-have features.
Plan for the purchase price, closing costs, moving expenses and ongoing upkeep.
If you will borrow, talk with a lender about your options and the documents they need.
Choose an agent and talk through your timing, budget and how you want to communicate.
Decide whether a home in town, a lake property or rural acreage best fits your plans.

Look beyond the photos. A second visit can answer questions the first showing leaves open.

Compare properties using the same notes: condition, layout, storage, access and maintenance.
Visit the area at different times and try the drive to the places you use most.
Confirm internet, water, electric service and other utilities for the specific address.
For rural property, ask about well and septic systems, road maintenance and documented access.
For lake or river property, verify flood information, insurance options and any shoreline or dock permissions.
Ask about restrictions, association rules, surveys and what is included in the sale.

Your offer should reflect the property and your circumstances, with room to investigate important details.

Review relevant recent sales and discuss the offer with your agent.
Clarify financing, inspections, included items and the proposed closing and possession dates.
Understand any contingencies and the deadlines in your contract before signing.
Handle earnest money according to the contract and keep a receipt.
Keep a calendar of every transaction deadline.

Stay in touch with your agent, lender and closing provider so questions are handled early.

Arrange appropriate inspections and review the findings with your agent.
Follow up on title, survey, access or property-condition questions.
Provide requested lender documents promptly and discuss major financial changes before making them.
Arrange insurance and confirm when coverage should begin.
Review closing documents and ask about any figures you do not understand.
Confirm payment instructions directly with your closing provider using a trusted phone number.
Complete the final walk-through and confirm agreed repairs or included items.

Keep the practical details close at hand when you get the keys.

Confirm utilities and the agreed date for possession.
Collect keys, remotes, system instructions and any transferable warranty information.
Store signed documents securely and update your mailing address.
Change locks or access codes and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Make a simple maintenance list for your first month.