Home buyer's preliminary checklist

Below is a helpful list of questions to be answered before you make an offer on a property:
A Homebuyer’s Master Checklist
Published April 7, 2009 by Mark Wellborn
If you go to visit a property, the first thing that you should do is ask for a fact sheet. This will tell you the age of the home/condo, taxes, size of lot (if available), and give the general features/amenities of the property.
Here is a list of questions that should be asked by homebuyers (both first-time and those who have been through the process). Note: Most listings for sale will have disclosure packets that will answer a number of these questions.
1 How long have the sellers owned the property?
2 Have there ever been any structural problems with the roof, walls or floors?
3 Does the home have a history of leaks?
4 Is there a lot of moisture in the basement?
5 Have there been any problems with heating/cooling, plumbing or electrical systems?
6 Has the property had any problems with rodents or insects that might hurt the structural integrity of the home?
7 Has there ever been any exterior damage to the home?
8 Is the property a DC landmark?
9 Has lead-based paint been used in the home?
10 What type of updates will need to be made in the next five or ten years?
11 How far is the property from public transportation?
12 What type of development plans are in the works for the surrounding neighborhood?
13 What are the zoning laws in the area?
14 Is there a lot of undeveloped land in the vicinity? If so, what could be built there?
15 Have home values in the area been rising or declining?