The home buying checklist most buyers forget to finish

What to check before buying a house

A good home buying checklist should help you evaluate the house, the neighborhood, the true cost of ownership, and the environmental context around the property.

1. The house itself

• Roof: age, leaks, drainage, and expected replacement timeline.
• Foundation: cracks, settling, moisture, and uneven floors.
• Major systems: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, water heater, and insulation.
• Water issues: basement dampness, grading, mold signs, and drainage problems.

2. The real monthly cost

• Taxes: current tax bill and possible reassessment after purchase.
• Insurance: flood, storm, wildfire, or other location-based risks.
• HOA: dues, restrictions, reserves, and special assessments.
• Repairs: big-ticket items likely needed in the next 3–5 years.

3. The neighborhood fit

• Commute: drive times during the hours you actually travel.
• Noise: highways, rail lines, airports, nightlife, or industrial activity.
• Daily life: groceries, parks, schools, healthcare, and errands.
• Resale: nearby development, zoning, and long-term neighborhood trends.

4. The overlooked environmental layer

Two homes can look similar, cost the same, and sit in the same general area — but have very different environmental profiles. One may be closer to highways, industrial facilities, airports, Superfund sites, or areas with higher long-term PM2.5.

AirScore gives you a simple 0–100 score so you can compare addresses using the same framework. It does not tell you whether to buy or not buy a house. It helps you ask better questions before making a major decision.