The Ultimate Sierra Vista House-Hunting Checklist

The Ultimate Sierra Vista House Hunting Checklist - Find Your Dream Home in Sierra Vista

Buying a home for sale in Sierra Vista is exciting – you’re actively mapping out your future. But trying to find the perfect space is a little overwhelming for most people, and even with your Sierra Vista REALTOR’s® help, it’s easy to miss important details. As you tour homes in Sierra Vista, Douglas, Bisbee or any other area in Cochise County, take this walk-through checklist along to make sure you don’t miss a thing. (Download your house-hunting checklist here.)

The Ultimate Sierra Vista House-Hunting Checklist

This house-hunting checklist covers all the hotspots in each room. Simply scroll to the room you’re in and ask yourself the questions below each feature. If you download the printable checklist, you can write comments near each question, as well.

House-Hunting Checklist - Exterior

Exterior Checklist

If you’re like most people, you’ll start to form an impression about a home before you even get out of your car. That’s where the exterior checklist comes in. Before you start your indoor tour, have a look at:

  • Exterior walls
    • Is the paint faded?
    • Is there any visible damage to the exterior walls?
    • How long does it look like it’s been since the house was painted?
    • Is the paint around windows and doors sloppy?
    • Does the stucco look like it’s falling apart?
  • Gutters and downspouts
    • Do the gutters look functional?
    • Can you see debris in the gutters?
    • Is the ground eroding near the downspouts, or can you see puddles?
  • Landscaping
    • Does the yard appear to be high-maintenance?
    • If there’s grass, is there an irrigation system?
    • Are there trees, cactuses or other landscape plants you’ll need to care for?
    • Is the yard private?
  • Roof
    • Does the roof look like it’s in good condition?
    • Can you see missing, broken or cracked shingles or tiles?
    • Does the chimney look like it’s in good condition?
    • Does the home have a swamp cooler on the roof, and if so, are there hard water stains under it?
  • Front porch
    • Is the concrete or brick on the front porch in good shape?
    • Are the steps leading up to the porch in good shape?
    • Is there a railing on the steps?
    • Is there another door leading to the house that’s easier for differently abled people to use?
    • Does the front door appear secure?

House-Hunting Checklist - Foyer or Entryway

Foyer or Entryway Checklist

The foyer should be inviting – especially now, when the seller has the home on the market. You’ll want it to be a friendly space, too, so ask yourself:

  • Is the foyer or entryway large enough to greet guests?
  • Is there storage space, such as a closet, for coats and shoes?
  • How do you feel about the entryway’s layout – is it comfortable and convenient or cramped and difficult to move around in?

House-Hunting Checklist - Kitchen

Kitchen Checklist

The kitchen can be a make-or-break room. In most homes, it’s a hub where people gather morning, noon and night – and it needs to be functional, comfortable and aesthetically appealing in the home you buy. Take your time going through the kitchen to check:

  • Appliances
    • Are they new?
    • Are they energy efficient models that will save you money in utility costs?
    • Do you see any damage to the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, range hood or built-in microwave? (Open the doors!)
    • Are they large enough for you to use?
    • Does the range hood work, and is it quiet enough to be practical?
  • Cabinets
    • Do you like the finish?
    • Are there enough cabinets to hold all your kitchen items?
    • Do any of the cabinets include a rotating shelf or pull-out shelves that can make reaching items easier?
    • Is there room for large or oddly shaped pots and pans, crock pots or other small appliances?
    • Is there a pantry for additional storage?
  • Drawers
    • Are the drawers deep enough?
    • Are there enough drawers?
    • Does the finish match the cabinets?
  • Counters
    • Are the countertops in good shape?
    • Does the counter’s material and style match the space?
    • Is there enough counter space for you?
    • Is there bar seating?
  • Sink
    • How good is the water pressure?
    • What type of faucet is in the sink? Does it offer features like touchless operation or a removable head?
    • Is there a sprayer?
    • Does the interior of the sink appear damaged, scratched or chipped?
    • Is the sink made from an easy-to-care-for material?
    • Is the grout around the sink in good shape?
  • Flooring
    • Are the floors in good shape?
    • Do the floors match the rest of the kitchen?
  • Lighting
    • What kind of light fixture is in the kitchen, and is it dimmable?
    • Are there multiple specialty lights in the kitchen?

House-Hunting Checklist - Bathroom

Bathroom Checklist

Bathrooms are some of the most important rooms in any home, but they’re often spaces that buyers peek into and leave. Don’t make that mistake – go in and ask yourself about each of these features:

  • Storage
    • Where is all the storage space?
    • Is there enough storage space?
    • Is there a linen closet in the bathroom, or is there one reasonably close?
  • Tubs and showers
    • What’s the water pressure like?
    • Do you see calcium deposits near the drain, which could indicate a dripping faucet?
    • Is the tub or shower’s surface in good shape, or do you see cracked tile, scratches or stains?
    • Is the tub or shower easily accessible?
  • Toilets
    • Is a low-flow toilet installed, which can save you money on water bills?
    • Are there calcium deposits in the commode’s bowl?
    • Is the seat plastic, ceramic or something else?
    • Is it in a convenient location within the bathroom?
  • Flooring
    • Does the flooring appear to be in good shape?
    • Can you see any signs of past water damage?
    • Are the flooring materials appropriate for the bathroom?
  • Sinks and vanities
    • Is there enough lighting around the mirror?
    • Is there a medicine cabinet?
    • How much storage space is available under the vanity?
    • Is there any evidence of water damage under the sink?
    • Is the water pressure adequate?
    • Are there two sinks or one?
    • Does the drain plug work?

House-Hunting Checklist - Living Room

Living Room Checklist

You and yours may spend a lot of time in the living room, so as you’re touring homes in Sierra Vista or elsewhere, make sure to check:

  • Layout
    • Do you feel comfortable with the room’s layout?
    • Is there enough room for all your furniture?
    • Is the space large enough for you to entertain?
    • Is there a fireplace or any other amenity that could require extra maintenance?
    • Is there a ceiling fan?
  • Walls
    • Are there built-in shelves or cabinets?
    • Is there any visible damage to the walls?
    • Do the walls appear to be professionally painted?
    • Is there an accent wall of another color, and if there is, are you happy with it?
    • Is there a wall-mounted TV or shelf that would require the owner to repair the walls before you buy?
  • Lighting
    • What kind of lighting does the living room use?
    • Would replacing bulbs be easy or require professional help?
  • Flooring
    • What type of flooring is in the living room? Is it a type you can live with?
    • Are the floors in good shape?
    • How old do the flooring materials appear to be?
    • Are there rugs that could be covering creaky spots, stains or cracked tile?
  • Windows
    • Do the windows let in enough natural light?
    • Do the windows face morning or afternoon sun?
    • What kinds of window treatments are currently in the space?
    • Are any of the screens damaged or torn?
    • Do the windows open and close easily?
  • Extra amenities
    • Is there a fireplace?
    • Is there a ceiling fan?

House-Hunting Checklist - Dining Room

Dining Room Checklist

The dining room may not be high on your priority list, but you should still ask yourself:

  • Is there enough room for all your furniture?
  • Will the windows let in enough natural light?
  • What kind of lighting is built into the dining room?
  • Are the flooring materials, walls and windows in good condition?

House-Hunting Checklist - Bedroom

Bedroom Checklist

You can expect to spend about a third of your life sleeping, so it makes sense to check every nook and cranny of your potential bedroom (and every other bedroom in the house). When you go through the bedrooms, check out:

  • Layout and space
    • Will all your furniture fit inside?
    • Where is the bedroom in relation to other rooms?
    • Is the owner’s suite downstairs or upstairs, and is that where you want it to be?
    • Are the windows big enough to give you the right amount of natural light?
    • Are there ceiling fans?
    • Does the room have a fireplace?
  • Closets
    • Is the closet easy to access?
    • Is there enough room in the closet for all your clothes?
    • Are there enough shelves in the closet?
    • Is there additional storage in the closet for shoes and other items?
    • Is the attic entrance inside the closet?
  • Floors
    • What flooring materials are in the bedroom, and do you like them?
    • Is the floor in good condition?
    • Does the floor creak?
    • Do you see a rug on the floor that could be covering damage, stains or other problems?
    • Is there a bathroom attached?

Make sure you download a copy of this checklist here. You can bring it with you as you tour homes around Sierra Vista, Bisbee, Tombstone, Douglas or Benson – or anywhere else. You can even take notes on the additional space it provides, and you can use it multiple times on your smart device.

Are You Looking for the Perfect Home in Sierra Vista?

If you’re considering using your VA loan to buy a home in Sierra Vista, I’ll be happy to help you find one that’s perfect for your needs. In fact, while you’re here, have a look at homes for sale here and in our neighboring communities: