Checklist for Visiting a Property Before Making a Decision

A well-organized visit is worth more than three hasty ones. Print out this list or keep it on your phone and check items off as you walk through. If the property fails more than three critical points, you have some insight.

Before Entering

• Walk a block around. Is there trash, stray dogs, closed shops? How does the neighborhood look?
• Test cell signal inside and outside the building.
• Look at the facade — paint, visible dampness, state of the building's roof if visible.
• If it's a condo, check the entrance: is there actual security or just an empty booth?

Structure

• Walls: touch them, don't just look. Check for cold, dampness, stains, large cracks (small ones are normal).
• Floors: walk slowly, notice if they sound hollow, if there are loose boards or lifted tiles.
• Ceilings: yellowish stains indicate past leaks. Fresh paint in specific areas is a sign someone covered something up.
• Windows: open them all. Ensure they close properly and the seals are intact.
• Doors: check they close without sticking and the locks are secure.

Utilities

• Electrical outlets: test at least three with a phone charger or a tester flashlight.
• Water: turn on kitchen and bathroom faucets. Check pressure and temperature (hot and cold). Let it run for 30 seconds to see if it comes out dirty.
• Drains: pour water into each drain and ensure it drains quickly. Unusual smells are red flags.
• Toilets: flush them. If the tank takes a long time to refill, there's an issue.
• Air conditioning: if present, turn it on and wait 5 minutes. Check for dripping and noise.

Kitchen and Appliances

• If included, turn them on: stove, oven, fridge, washing machine. Ensure all work.
• Inspect drawers and cabinet doors — ensure they're not warped.
• Look under the sink: dampness or stains indicate past leaks.

Bathrooms

• Test the shower with high pressure. If pressure drops when the sink is used simultaneously, there's a bottleneck.
• Check the quantity and quality of ventilation.
• Look for rust stains or dampness in the joints.

Exterior (if applicable)

• Yard: drainage, well-maintained plants, fences in good shape.
• Parking: actual size, not the plan drawing.
• Storage: presence, size, ventilation.

Questions Buyers Rarely Ask

• What is the condo fee and when was it last increased?
• Are there any approved or discussed special assessments?
• How long has the current resident lived here and why are they leaving?
• What's the typical noise level at night?
• Does anything happen during heavy rain?

Photograph Everything

Don't rely on memory. Take photos of every room, any questionable detail (stains, cracks, utilities), and the electricity and water meters. If you return for a second visit or decide to make an offer, these photos will be your baseline.

The 24-Hour Verdict

Leave, sleep on it. If the next day you're still thinking about the good points and the bad are manageable, make an offer. If the bad points continue to bother you, it was a bad sign — listen to it. And review common mistakes when buying to avoid repeating them.