Print sheet
Printable home ownership checklist
One line per skill with a box to tick. Skills you have marked learned in this browser print with a tick. The full guides are on the home ownership page; every skill is also in the master list, and the guides pull them together.
Home ownership basics
Tick each skill once you can do it without the guide.
- Know principal, rate, APR, term, points, escrow and mortgage insurance
- Get a preapproval letter and set your own budget below it
- Compare loan estimates side by side for the same loan
- Check the closing disclosure against the estimate and confirm wiring by phone
- Attend the inspection with questions and book specialists in time
- Sort the inspection report: safety, big systems, then upkeep
- Read the declarations page: limits, deductible and exclusions
- Read the yearly escrow analysis and tell the servicer about new policies
- Check the assessed value, exemptions and appeal deadline on the tax bill
- Read HOA rules, budget, reserves and minutes before the deadline
- Read the title exceptions and decide on an owner's policy
- Hire with three bids, a checked license, insurance and a written contract
- First week: rekey, find the shutoff and panel, test alarms, file papers
- After damage: make it safe, photograph first, call promptly, keep receipts
- Keep a home maintenance calendar with monthly and seasonal jobs
EveryWomanKnows, general information for learning. Full steps for each line are on the skill's page.