Home Buyer Checklist
Has Basement
Florida
Before You Tour
0/0
Ask: any history of water intrusion or flooding?
“Only once” still counts until proven otherwise.
Ask: any foundation repairs, bracing, or crack injection?
Get receipts + warranty. If unclear, add an engineer.
Ask: any sewer backups, clogs, or plumbing replacements?
If anything sounds off, plan a sewer scope.
Request permits and repair receipts
No paperwork = assume hidden risk.
Get the disclosure before paying for inspections
Scan for water, structural, and plumbing admissions.
Outside
0/0
Ground slopes away from the foundation
Sloping toward the house is a water setup.
Downspouts extend 6–10 feet away
Missing extensions dump water at the foundation.
Look for step cracks and door/window cracks
Patterns matter more than one tiny crack.
Scan for bowing, offsets, or fresh patch lines
Bowing/offset = structural review.
Basement
0/0
Smell test: musty odor is a clue
Musty + fresh paint = ask why it was painted.
Look for white chalk and stains on walls
That’s evidence the wall has been wet.
Check sump pump and where it discharges
Discharge must go far away from the house.
Braces/straps/patch systems? get paperwork
Warranty + contractor info or assume risk.
Plumbing / Sewer
0/0
Run tub + sink + flush at the same time
Slow drains or gurgling can mean main line issues.
Check under sinks for stains or corrosion
Old leaks create hidden rot and mold.
Pay for a sewer scope (camera inspection)
Prevents surprise backups and expensive repairs.
Have inspector document pipe materials and age
You want supply and drain materials called out clearly.
Florida Add-Ons
0/0
Get a real insurance quote before you commit
Confirm it’s actually insurable.
Request wind mitigation + 4-point if needed
These can change eligibility and price.
Check flood zone and price flood insurance anyway
Outside the zone doesn’t mean zero risk.
Verify roof age and permits
Roof condition can dominate insurance cost.
Prevent Payment Doubling
0/0
Confirm post-sale taxes (not seller’s tax bill)
Homestead/caps can make seller taxes look low.
Ask lender for a worst-case escrow payment model
Include higher taxes + insurance + shortage catch-up.
File homestead / primary exemption immediately
Missing the deadline can cost you a full year.
Use a real insurance quote (not worksheet estimate)
Low estimates create the 6–12 month surprise jump.
Budget for escrow cushion and shortage
Payments jump when lenders recalc after real bills arrive.
Ask: will this reassess after sale?
Some places reset taxable value after purchase.