70+ Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home or Moving Into an Apartment — And How to Make Sure Your Home Is Healthy

Before buying a home or moving into an apartment, it’s smart to ask targeted questions about the building, systems, neighborhood, finances, and health. Use the checklist below to make an informed decision—and follow the healthy-home plan to optimize air, water, safety, and long-term wellbeing once you move in.

Complete Pre-Purchase & Move-In Checklist (71 Questions)

1. How old is the home, and what is the location’s ZIP code for resale value and lifestyle assessment?
2. Who previously lived in the home and who built it?
3. How old are the appliances in the home?
4. Has there been any mold, electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, or previous damage to the home such as water damage?
5. Has the home been well-maintained?
6. Who runs the power in the area, and is it reliable?
7. Is the home well-ventilated, and how old is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system?
8. Does the home appear to be in a healthy state upon visual inspection?
9. If there are any damaged areas, what repairs would be easy to address and what would be more challenging?
10. Does the property have a well or is it connected to the city’s water supply?
11. How healthy is the tap water—safe to drink, or would it require additional filtration?
12. Have pesticides been sprayed on the property or nearby?
13. Does the home have any toxic paint (e.g., lead-based in older homes)?
14. Are there signs of rotting or decaying materials on the property?
15. What is the neighborhood like—is it safe and family-friendly?
16. What is the proximity to schools, parks, and amenities?
17. What is the condition of the home—are there any major repairs or renovations needed?
18. How old is the home and its major systems?
19. What are the property taxes and any additional fees—what is the average utility cost?
20. Does the home have any restrictions or homeowner’s association rules?
21. What is the current market value of the home and its potential for appreciation?
22. What is the average time homes stay on the market in the area?
23. What financing options are available?
24. Are there any pending or previous legal disputes associated with the property?
25. What is the average annual maintenance cost?
26. Are there any restrictive covenants or easements on the property?
27. Is the home in a flood zone or prone to any other natural disasters?
28. Can you add or modify any structures on the property?
29. What is the seller’s disclosure of the home’s history—why is the current owner selling?
30. What are the current and future development plans for the area?
31. What is the state of the local economy and job market?
32. What are the noise levels in the area and any potential disruptions—is the home energy-efficient?
33. Are the materials low or high quality?
34. How do nearby homes look in their state and condition—and how does this home compare within the area and price range?
35. Did anyone smoke in the home or do any polluting activities inside?
36. Are there, or were there, any pest infestations?
37. What is the condition of the attic and basement—any signs of rot, mold, or other issues?
38. Does the property have natural resources (e.g., well water, timber, solar exposure)?
39. How much natural sunlight does it get?
40. Has it been tested and confirmed contaminant-free (air, water, soil where relevant)?
41. Does it have safety alarms—smoke and carbon monoxide—and are they working?
42. Does it have exterior lighting that works and is properly positioned?
43. What are the current mortgage interest rates for buying this home?
44. Could a tree or something else reasonably fall on the structure?
45. How old is the roof (and what is the roof material and remaining life)?
46. Has it been on the market a long time?
47. Do the home or major items still have warranties?
48. Why is the seller leaving?
49. Is the home inspector highly rated for pre-purchase inspection?
50. Were there any renovations, and were permits/inspections properly closed?
51. Is the property fenced or open to animal/people passage?
52. How big is the home (interior square footage)?
53. How big is the outside lot and total area?
54. How close is it to power lines?
55. When was it last painted (inside and outside)?
56. Does it have a septic tank or is it on the city sewer grid?
57. How much are the taxes?
58. Has it been tested for radon, asbestos, or pyrite (where regionally relevant)?
59. What condition is the driveway in?
60. Is the home in a safe area to live?
61. Can you add solar, a well, or other eco-friendly options?
62. Does it have a good kitchen ventilation hood/fan or operable windows?
63. Where is the closest trash collection and recycling center?
64. Do you need to pay for city services, or will you self-manage (e.g., septic, well, trash)?
65. How affordable would value-add improvements be?
66. Is this a short- or long-term purchase?
67. Is the home suitable for an older person, families, or a young couple?
68. How old is the carpeting—if any—and what’s its condition/cleanliness?
69. How much will it cost to add the features the home lacks that you need?
70. What is the total investment and risk you can take to buy the home?
71. Are there barking dogs or chronic noise nearby?

Healthy-Home Plan (Simple Steps After You Move In)

Air: Install MERV-13 (or better) filters in forced-air systems, replace every 3 months; run HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms/living areas; check bathroom/kitchen exhaust fans (target 8–10 air changes/hour in baths during showers); keep indoor RH 40–50% to discourage mold/dust mites.

Water: Test tap water (basic city report + at-home kit for lead, chlorine/chloramine, PFAS if local advisories exist); install appropriate filtration (NSF-certified carbon block + sediment; add RO if contaminants warrant); flush lines after long vacancies.

Mold & Moisture: Inspect for leaks quarterly (under sinks, behind/under appliances, around windows, attic, crawlspace); remediate promptly to IICRC S520 standards if found; use dehumidifiers in damp basements/crawlspaces (target RH < 55%).

EMF & Electrical: Verify grounded outlets and proper wiring; keep bedrooms device-light and routers away from sleep zones; consider low-EMF lighting and switch off unused circuits if sensitive.

Safety: Test smoke/CO alarms monthly; check fire extinguishers annually; confirm egress windows; review escape plan; add exterior lighting and smart locks/cameras where appropriate.

Materials: Prefer low-VOC paints/sealants; deep-clean or replace old carpets; consider hard-surface flooring in bedrooms for allergy control.

Ventilation & Energy: If windows are rarely opened, consider an ERV/HRV; schedule annual HVAC service and duct inspections; weather-seal doors/windows to improve comfort and lower utility costs.

Outdoor: Avoid broad-spectrum pesticide use; choose native landscaping; divert downspouts away from foundation; keep soil/wood clearances to deter termites and rot.

Tip: Bring a copy of this checklist to showings and the inspection. What you verify up front can save thousands—and improve day-to-day health—after you move in.