Existing homes: investigate operating history
Review condition, prior work, permit records when available, drainage, foundation, roof, major systems, insurance availability, disclosures, association information, survey matters, and the inspections or specialists appropriate to the property. Visible maturity does not remove the need for current due diligence.
New construction: document the promised product
Compare lot and site conditions, plans, specifications, allowances, options, deposits, change orders, completion triggers, certificate-of-occupancy steps, walkthroughs, warranty terms, tax-assessment timing, utilities, and association obligations. Builder forms and incentives can differ, so review the actual documents rather than relying on a model-home conversation.
Use municipal and independent inspections for different purposes
McKinney routes permit applications and inspections through its Citizen Self-Service system and posts current adopted codes. TREC states that licensed Texas inspectors performing covered residential inspections must follow its Standards of Practice and use the required report form. A municipal inspection and an independent buyer inspection answer different questions; neither should be described as a guarantee.
Check what is planned around the property
- Use the City Housing Hub and Development Snapshot for existing, potential, and planned residential context.
- Check zoning, roads, utilities, drainage, taxes, special districts, and HOA obligations for the exact address.
- Model recurring cost after incentives expire and after a new property is fully assessed.
- Keep builder, inspection, warranty, insurance, and legal questions with the appropriate licensed or qualified professional.
Sources and verification links
Use these links to verify current information directly. Recheck time-sensitive details when a particular address or decision is under consideration.