Early access AirScore Pro is Live!

What to look for when buying a house

Most buyers check the house. Fewer check the environment around it. AirScore helps you look beyond the showing — including long-term air quality, nearby industrial sites, Superfund sites, airports, highways, and current AQI.

Comparing homes? Unlock Pro

The obvious things to check

Before buying a house, most people know to look at the condition of the property itself. These basics still matter:

  • Roof: age, leaks, drainage, missing shingles, and expected replacement timeline.
  • Foundation: cracks, settling, uneven floors, and water intrusion.
  • Major systems: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and water heater age.
  • Moisture: basement dampness, mold signs, drainage issues, and grading around the home.
  • Total cost: mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, repairs, and utilities.

The neighborhood matters too

A house can look great and still be a poor fit if the surrounding area does not match your life. Look at commute times, schools, walkability, noise, nearby development, resale potential, and daily convenience.

The part many buyers miss

Environmental context is easy to overlook because it is not always visible during a showing. Two homes can be similar in price and location, but one may sit much closer to highways, industrial facilities, Superfund sites, airports, 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 replace inspections or professional advice — it adds another layer of context before you make a major decision.

Best way to use it

Run AirScore on every home you are seriously considering. Then compare the results alongside price, commute, schools, inspection findings, and your own priorities.

AirScore is for informational purposes only — not medical, legal, environmental, or real estate advice. View full disclaimer.
Homebuyer tool

Compare homes before you commit

AirScore Pro helps you compare addresses, save reports, and download clean PDF summaries when choosing between homes.

See Pro features

FAQ

What should I look for when buying a house?

Look at the home’s structure, roof, foundation, major systems, water issues, total monthly costs, neighborhood fit, commute, resale potential, and environmental context around the address.

What do buyers often forget to check?

Many buyers forget to check nearby environmental factors like highways, airports, industrial facilities, Superfund sites, and long-term air quality.

How can I check environmental factors before buying?

Enter the address into AirScore to see a simple environmental profile based on long-term PM2.5, live AQI, and proximity to major sources.

Should AirScore replace a home inspection?

No. AirScore is not a home inspection and does not evaluate the physical condition of the house. It is designed to add environmental context to your broader decision.