Due Diligence Checklist Re

Due diligence is the only window in the transaction where the buyer has asymmetric information rights — they can inspect, investigate, and withdraw. Miss an item, miss a deadline, and that leverage is gone. This skill is the end-to-end DD playbook: what to check, in what order, by which date, with which specialist, and how to respond with the results.

Phase 1: Intake — Define the DD Scope Before Ordering Anything

Not every property needs every inspection. A 2018-built condo in a well-managed HOA needs a very different DD than a 1952 rural home on well and septic with a detached workshop. Match scope to property.

1.1 Deadline Reality Check

• [ ] Contract ratification date: [DATE]
• [ ] Total DD / inspection period: [DAYS]
• [ ] DD expiration date (by end of business, specific time): [DATE / TIME]
• [ ] Business days or calendar days in contract: [TYPE]
• [ ] Weekend and holiday buffer built in: [Y/N]
• [ ] Extension mechanism in contract: [TERMS]

1.2 Property Risk Profile

• [ ] Year built: [YEAR]
• [ ] Last documented renovation: [YEAR]
• [ ] Property type (SFH, condo, townhome, multi, new construction, historic): [TYPE]
• [ ] Water source (municipal, well, shared well): [TYPE]
• [ ] Sewer (municipal, septic, cesspool, shared): [TYPE]
• [ ] Heat source (gas, oil tank, propane, electric, heat pump): [TYPE]
• [ ] Oil tank buried or above-ground or removed: [STATUS]
• [ ] Basement/crawl type and known moisture: [DETAIL]
• [ ] Foundation type: [TYPE]
• [ ] Roof age: [YEARS]
• [ ] Flood zone designation: [ZONE]
• [ ] HOA/condo association: [Y/N]
• [ ] Radon risk area: [Y/N]
• [ ] Termite/WDO region: [Y/N]
• [ ] Stucco/EIFS exterior (moisture testing protocol): [Y/N]
• [ ] Lead paint vintage (pre-1978): [Y/N]
• [ ] Asbestos risk vintage (pre-1980): [Y/N]

1.3 Buyer Priorities and Limits

• [ ] Buyer budget for inspections: $[AMT]
• [ ] Buyer deal-breaker list (items they will walk for): [LIST]