Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and doing your homework beforehand can save you from expensive surprises down the road. Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, knowing what to research before you buy can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Here are the top 10 things to research about a home before making an offer:
🏡 1. The Neighborhood
Location is everything. Look into:
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Crime rates and safety
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School district ratings
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Walkability and nearby amenities
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Future developments or zoning changes
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Commute times to work or key places
Even if the home is perfect, the wrong neighborhood can be a deal-breaker.
📊 2. Home Values and Market Trends
How does the home’s price compare to others in the area? Research:
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Recent sales nearby
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How long homes are staying on the market
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Whether prices are trending up or down
This can help you determine if the home is priced fairly — and how competitive your offer needs to be.
🛠️ 3. Condition of Major Systems
Before you fall in love with the kitchen backsplash, dig deeper. Look into:
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Roof age and condition
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Plumbing and electrical systems
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HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
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Water heater age
These big-ticket items can be costly to replace, so know what you're getting into.
💡 4. Utility Costs
Ask for a year’s worth of utility bills from the seller if possible. It’ll give you a realistic sense of what to budget each month — and whether the home is energy efficient or not.
🧾 5. Property Taxes
Taxes can vary drastically even between neighboring towns. Research:
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The current property tax amount
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How often rates increase
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Whether the area is due for reassessment
This could impact your monthly mortgage payment more than you think.
🏗️ 6. HOA Rules and Fees
If the home is in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA), make sure to:
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Review the bylaws and restrictions
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Understand monthly or annual fees
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Ask about reserve funds and any pending special assessments
You don’t want surprise costs or strict rules you can’t live with.
📝 7. Home Inspection Reports
If the seller recently had an inspection done, ask to review it. Once under contract, hire your own independent inspector to dig deeper into the home’s condition — and help you avoid unexpected repairs later.
🌧️ 8. Flood Zone or Natural Hazards
Is the home in a floodplain, wildfire zone, or earthquake-prone area? Check FEMA maps or local hazard disclosures. This can affect insurance costs and long-term safety.
📐 9. Lot Lines and Property History
Review the official property survey to understand:
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The boundaries of the lot
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Any easements (like shared driveways or utility access)
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Previous renovations or additions (and whether they were permitted)
🧑⚖️ 10. Legal or Title Issues
Make sure the title is clear of:
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Liens
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Legal disputes
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Ownership complications
Your title company or real estate attorney will usually handle this, but it’s smart to understand what they’re looking for.
Bottom Line: Know Before You Buy
A beautiful home isn’t always a good home — and doing your research can make all the difference. The more you know, the more confident and protected you’ll be when it comes time to sign on the dotted line.
Need help making sense of it all? A knowledgeable real estate agent can guide you through this research and ensure you’re not missing anything crucial. Let’s make your next move a smart one.
