Buyer Resources
Everything you need to stay organized throughout the home buying process — from gathering documents to evaluating homes at showings.
Your lender will ask for all of this. Having it ready before your first conversation speeds up pre-approval and prevents delays during underwriting.
Before you spend $400–$500 on a professional inspection, here's what to look for during showings. These red flags can save you time and money by eliminating problem properties early.
Cracks in foundation walls (horizontal cracks are more concerning than vertical)
Uneven or sloping floors — bring a marble or ball
Doors and windows that stick or don't close properly
Visible bowing or bulging in walls
Water stains on ceilings or walls, especially in the basement
Musty smell in basement or crawl space
Efflorescence (white chalky residue) on basement walls
Sump pump — is there one? Does it work?
Missing, curling, or damaged shingles visible from the street
Sagging roofline or gutters pulling away from the house
Grading around foundation — ground should slope away from the house
Condition of siding, windows, and trim
Age of HVAC — check the label (15+ years = replacement soon)
Age of water heater (8–12 year lifespan)
Electrical panel — look for Federal Pacific or Zinsco (known issues)
Turn on faucets and flush toilets — check water pressure and drainage
Fresh paint in just one area (could be covering damage)
Strong air fresheners or candles (could be masking odors)
New flooring in just one room (could be covering water damage)
Check under sinks for leaks or water stains
Visit at different times of day — traffic, noise, parking
Check lot boundaries — does anything encroach?
Look at neighboring properties — well-maintained or neglected?
Power lines over the property, nearby commercial, flood zone
None of these replace a professional inspection — but they help you decide whether a home is worth moving forward on before spending the money.
Print these out and bring them to our first meeting — or save the fillable versions and email them to me so I know exactly what you're looking for before we start.
Define your needs vs. wants so I can find the right home. 5 pages covering basics, specs, features, location, and deal breakers.
The complete home buying process — financing, offers, inspections, closing costs, and common mistakes to avoid.