Not only does this list include most of the features you'll be needing in a home, it takes into account the importance of the surrounding community.
Maybe even more important, it allows you to set up a priority list ahead of time, a ranking order of features from the most vital to insignificant. Since most home purchases are compromises, this should help make your decision easier.
The priority list can also help a RealtorŪ get a better picture of what you are looking for in a house to select those houses available that best meet your requirements.
When you are visiting different homes, there's no need to feel embarrassed about pulling out this check list and making notes. After all, you have a big decision to make, and it behooves you to take every precaution.
Selecting Your Title Insurer
You'll want to protect the title to your property
with title insurance from the Chicago Title and Trust Family of Companies, the
foremost name in title insurance. You want to be sure that you have a good
title, free and clear of any claim which might possibly affect your ownership in
the future. A title insurance policy insures your rights as a homeowner. Should
a claim ever arise against your title as insured, the CT&T Family will
immediately arrange for legal counsel to defend your title, in court if
necessary, completely at its own expense. Should the claim be valid and a loss
sustained, it is paid by the CT&T Family up to the full value of the policy.
| About the House: | Priority | House A | House B | House C |
| Asking price | ||||
| Real estate taxes | ||||
| Water bill | ||||
| Heating bill | ||||
| Electric bill | ||||
| Age of house | ||||
| One-story | ||||
| Two-story | ||||
| Wood frame |
| About the House: | Priority | House A | House B | House C |
| Brick and wood frame | ||||
| Aluminum siding | ||||
| Overall exterior condition | ||||
| Storm windows | ||||
| Garage (note capacity) | ||||
| Gas heat | ||||
| Electric heat | ||||
| Hot-water heat | ||||
| Age of heating plant | ||||
| Central air cond./age | ||||
| Number of bedrooms | ||||
| Living room | ||||
| Separate dining room | ||||
| Kitchen eating area | ||||
| Number of bathrooms | ||||
| Closets | ||||
| Refrigerator | ||||
| Cooking stove | ||||
| Disposal | ||||
| Dishwasher | ||||
| Clothes washer/dryer | ||||
| Laundry space | ||||
| Adequate water heater | ||||
| Basement storage area |
| About the House: | Priority | House A | House B | House C |
| Finished basement | ||||
| Attic storage area | ||||
| Finished attic | ||||
| Number of fireplaces | ||||
| Drapes | ||||
| Carpeting | ||||
| Modern electrical wiring | ||||
| Sump pump/drainage | ||||
| Overhead sewer system | ||||
| Backyard patio | ||||
| Fence on lot lines | ||||
| Pleasing landscaping |
| About the Neighborhood: | Priority | House A | House B | House C |
| Streets Clean | ||||
| Neighbors' property well-maintained | ||||
| Flooding (check local government) | ||||
| Loud noises, bad odors | ||||
| Nearby train tracks | ||||
| Open drainage ditch | ||||
| All utilities installed | ||||
| Area zoned residential | ||||
| Nearby industry | ||||
| Proposed special assessments | ||||
| Garbage collection | ||||
| Street lights | ||||
| Streets and alleys well-maintained | ||||
| Heavy airplane traffic | ||||
| Newspaper stories about community or school difficulties |
| The House Is Near: | House A | House B | House C |
| Public transportation (within walking distance) |
|||
| Thoroughfares or expressways (short driving time) |
|||
| Convenience shopping | |||
| Schools which the children will attend (check with school officials) |
|||
| Parks |
| The House is X Minutes Frrom: | House A | House B | House C |
| Work | |||
| Downtown | |||
| Convenience shopping | |||
| Elementary school | |||
| High School | |||
| Doctors | |||
| Relatives | |||
| House of worship |
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Copyright 1993 by Chicago Title Insurance Co. All Rights Reserved. Last modified January 1997.