What is Due Dilligence when buying a home in 2026?

When it comes to buying a home, the stakes are incredibly high. Buyers often hear the phrase due diligence and wonder what it means. Due diligence isn't just about a home inspection, a survey or getting your home appraised. It is the forward looking lense when buying.

Due diligence is about understanding precisely why you are buying a home. It requires one to peel back the layers to uncover hidden risks, and potential rewards. Another way to think about this phrase is to simply ask; 

1. How long will I be in the home after I buy it? Buying and then selling within a short time will easily cost you thousands of dollars. For many areas if you buy and then sell within 5 years, you will likely lose money.

2. What location do I need and desire for my home? All things been equal, you can improve your home but not a bad location. Think hard about the location of your home and what is around the home. The distance from amenities, lack of transport, remote location,  a highway behind your home, a noisy location, or abandoned lot with trash next to you. All things that could add or decrease value.

3. Are there any ongoing or coming project developments? 

4. What are real estate market conditions of today and the next few years? Will I be ok with the next cycle if there is downturn?

Due diligence isn’t just good practice, it’s your essential strategy for thriving in real estate.