After the tour: checks a scorecard cannot do
Last reviewed 16 October 2026 · by Eddy Hwang
Your scores record what you saw and how you felt about it. Before you commit to a home, a few things need people and records that a walk-through cannot replace. This page is general information for buyers in the United States, not legal or financial advice; rules vary by state.
Get a home inspection
A tour shows you the surface. The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s home loan toolkit puts it plainly: “The inspector works for you” and you should “Get your inspection before you are finally committed to buy the home.” Hand the inspector your notes on stains, smells and sticking doors; they tell them where to look.
The same toolkit points out that “A home inspector is different from a home appraiser.” The appraisal is an estimate of value for the lender. You are entitled to a copy of it before closing.
Source: CFPB, Your home loan toolkit (PDF)
Compare the full monthly cost, not just the price
Two homes at the same price can cost very different amounts each month. The CFPB toolkit lists what goes into the total monthly payment:
- Principal and interest on the loan.
- Mortgage insurance, which generally applies when the down payment is less than 20%.
- Property taxes. The local assessor’s or auditor’s office can help you estimate them.
- Homeowner’s insurance. Insurance agents can give an estimate; ask whether flood insurance is required.
- Homeowners association or condo fees, if any.
It also reminds buyers that “Only you can decide how much you are comfortable paying for your housing each month.” A must-have such as “Monthly cost within our limit” lets you mark homes pass or fail once you have the numbers.
Source: CFPB, Your home loan toolkit (PDF)
Check flood and wildfire risk
The CFPB toolkit warns that past flood damage can be hidden and costly, and that your state may have disclosure rules. It names two public tools for checking risk: FEMA’s Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildfire Risk to Communities site.
Source: CFPB, Your home loan toolkit (PDF)
Homes built before 1978: lead paint disclosure
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, lead-based paint for use in homes was banned in 1978 but is still present in millions of homes. For most private housing built before 1978, sellers must disclose known lead-based paint hazards, and buyers get a 10-day period to arrange a paint inspection or risk assessment, which they may waive. There are exceptions, such as housing built after 1977 and foreclosure sales.
If the home was built before 1978, ask for the disclosure and decide whether to use the inspection period.
Source: EPA, Real estate disclosures about potential lead hazards
Watch for closing scams
The CFPB’s closing checklist warns: “If you receive an email with last-minute changes to the wire instructions or to verify your personal information, it may be a scam.” Before closing, write down the names and phone numbers of two people you trust in the process, and confirm any change by calling a number you already have, not one in the email.
Source: CFPB, Your mortgage closing checklist (PDF)
Sources were last checked on 16 October 2026. Official guidance changes; follow the current version on the agency’s site.