A real estate agent's walk-through checklist for homeowners. The guide walks through a 15-minute inspection routine, starting outside with roof, gutters, drainage, windows, doors, decks and the overall exterior view, then moving inside to check ceilings, floors, under-sink cabinets, HVAC systems and using senses to detect issues. Each section has a rating system and practical tips. The document…
This is a 15-minute house checkup guide written by licensed real estate agent Jenn Heitmann of Howard Hanna. It is designed for homeowners who want to spot small maintenance issues before they become expensive problems. The guide is not a professional inspection but a simple visual walk-through.
The outside section takes 7 minutes. It starts at the driveway and covers roof and gutters, checking for sagging, debris, missing shingles and staining. Next it follows water drainage, looking at downspouts, ground slope, window wells and standing water. Windows and doors are checked for cracked caulk, rotted trim and gaps.
The outside walk continues with decks, porches and steps, testing railings and boards for rot and stability. The final outside step is to view the whole house from the curb, noting landscaping, paint, siding and concrete issues. This curb appeal view is what buyers and appraisers see first.
The inside section takes 8 minutes. It starts by looking up at ceilings for water stains, discoloration, cracks and damp spots. Then looking down at floors for buckling, soft spots near plumbing, swollen baseboards and damaged tile. Under-sink cabinets are checked for drips, staining and musty smells.
The guide also covers HVAC filters, vents, heating and cooling balance, and bathroom exhaust fans. A final step uses senses to detect musty smells, dripping sounds, drafts and soft spots. The document ends with a recap page to list items to fix, watch or ask about, plus the agent's contact information.