- Complete
Offer, Negotiation to Acceptance
- Current
Home Inspection
- Incomplete
Due Diligence, Contract, and Signing
(Estimated timeframe: 1-2 hours)
When you find your ideal New York City apartment, it can be hard to see beyond the superb interior design or spacious rooms. However, potential homebuyers must dig deeper to discover possible hidden issues such as structural damage (water damage, bad construction, etc.) A certified home inspector can help find those issues for you.
Homebuyers should attend the home inspection to gain a better understanding of the home. Just in case the inspector finds minor and significant home repairs. Small issues can be fixed easily – even delayed for a period. Essential problems, however, require calling in a specialist to examine the effect. A professional can advise whether you should fix the problem or walk away from the deal.
Home Inspection Checklist
| GENERAL CHECKS | ||
| Check for any signs of an insect rodent infestation, such as droppings or chew marks. | YES | NO |
| Make sure home phone or cable jacks are available, and that they are functioning and accessible. | YES | NO |
| Check for floor creaks, noticeable cracks in plaster or drywall that might have been covered before the previous owner moved out, which could be signs of structural damage. | YES | NO |
| Turn on all light switches, the microwave, and the A/C unit at the same time to be sure a breaker doesn’t trip. | YES | NO |
| SAFETY CHECKS | ||
| Check to see that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and in the appropriate areas, and ensure that fire extinguishers are in place. | YES | NO |
| Find the fire escape plan if your home is in an apartment building, and make sure you know where to go in the event of a fire or other emergency. | YES | NO |
| Check each electrical outlet by plugging in a cell phone charger or another electronic device. | YES | NO |
| DOOR AND WINDOW CHECKS | ||
| Check all windows and doors to make sure they operate properly. | YES | NO |
| Try all locks and doorknobs to ensure they are secure and not wobbly. If there is more than one type of lock, ask your building super for a key for each lock. | YES | NO |
| Be sure window screens function. | YES | NO |
| KITCHEN CHECKS | ||
| Turn on all the burners on the stove to make sure they light. | YES | NO |
| Open and close the oven door, and check that all racks are in the oven. Check the broiler and make sure it works. | YES | NO |
| Open and close the refrigerator doors and pull out every drawer. Check for any musty smells. If there is an ice-maker, check to see if it works. Make sure the fridge is chilly and the freezer is cold. | YES | NO |
| Check all other appliances (microwave, dishwasher, etc.) and make sure they are in good working order. | YES | NO |
| Examine tile for any scrapes, scuffs and cracks, and check the counter tops for any stains, burn marks or chips. | YES | NO |
| Open and close all the cupboard doors and drawers. Check for chips and dings. | YES | NO |
| BATHROOM CHECKS | ||
| Flush toilets to make sure the plumbing works properly. Look inside the tank to be certain the handle is sturdy. | YES | NO |
| Check for leaks under the sink by running every faucet. Look under the sink to make sure there are no drips, water discolorations or odors. Fill up the sinks to make sure they hold water and drain properly. | YES | NO |
| Make sure the shower-head works, and the water pressure is good. Test the hot water to ensure it heats up in a timely manner. Fill the tub with water to be sure that it drains well. | YES | NO |
| Open the medicine cabinet door to be certain it works well. | YES | NO |
| BEDROOM AND LIVING ROOM CHECKS | ||
| If the air conditioner is in the window, test it on low, medium, and high to be certain it cools. Listen for any strange sounds and be aware of any weird smells, which could be a sign that the filter needs to be changed. | YES | NO |
| Open and close the blinds to make sure they work properly. | YES | NO |
| Look for cracks and dents in the baseboards. | YES | NO |
| Check for stains in the carpet, chipped paint, peeling wallpaper, and large holes in the wall. | YES | NO |
| Make sure the fireplace (if there is one) is in working condition. | YES | NO |
| Once you and your broker have completed the walk-through, schedule any repairs, and make sure to sign a document detailing the agreed-upon condition of the property before going to closing. | YES | NO |