Value & pricing
- Recent sold comparables for similar nearby homes
- Price per square foot vs. the neighborhood median
- Full price history — original list, every cut, relistings
- Days on market vs. the local norm
Condition & work history
- Building-permit history — what's been done, and by whom
- Open or expired permits still on file
- Signs of unpermitted work (a touted remodel with no matching permit)
- Age of major systems — roof, HVAC, water heater, electrical
Risk & environment
- FEMA flood zone for the exact parcel (not just the city)
- Wetlands and environmental constraints
- Climate and natural-hazard exposure for the area
Neighborhood reality
- Crime trend, not just a single score
- School ratings and assignment
- Proximity and drive times to work, grocery, hospital, highway
- Whether the area is improving, stable, or declining
The real monthly cost
- Mortgage at a realistic rate and down payment
- Property taxes at the local effective rate
- Insurance — higher in flood/wildfire areas
- HOA dues and special assessments
- Utilities for the home's size and age
The questions to ask
Why are they selling? How long have they owned it? What's been replaced and when? Are there any known issues, liens, or disputes? What's driving their timeline — would they trade a faster close for a lower price?
Run the whole checklist automatically
HomeInteli turns this entire checklist into a report from a single listing link — value, permits, flood, neighborhood, true cost, and tailored questions — in about a minute. Flood zone, wetlands and demographics are pulled directly from FEMA, USFWS and the U.S. Census and labeled “verified.”