Free downloadable checklist
Real Estate Due Diligence Checklist
Work through this before you make an offer, before inspection, and before closing. The best buyers are the ones who check before they sign.
Before the offer
- Run a property history report on the address.
- Confirm the owner matches the listing.
- Check for active liens, tax delinquencies, or foreclosure notices.
- Review the last 10 years of permits and renovations.
- Look up fire and police incident logs.
- Check if the property is in a flood, wildfire, or tornado risk zone.
- Research the neighborhood momentum: permits, business filings, and price trends.
During inspection
- Cross-check every major renovation with the permit timeline.
- Ask the inspector to look for signs of unpermitted work.
- Verify the roof, HVAC, water heater, and electrical ages against permits.
- Request documentation for any claimed repairs or upgrades.
- Look for water damage, mold, or foundation issues that match incident history.
Before closing
- Review the title commitment carefully.
- Confirm all open code violations are resolved.
- Verify insurance quotes do not reflect undisclosed incidents.
- Model the 10-year cost of ownership, not just the mortgage.
- Get everything in writing if the seller offers to fix issues post-inspection.
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