When you are in the market to buy a new home, it is important to work with a good real estate broker.  An experienced Realtor has seen hundreds of homes, and can steer you away from properties that don’t fit your needs.  A Realtor can also help you get the right questions answered before you buy.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Home

How long has the property been on the market?  If the house has been on the market a long time, it might be a sign that the price is too high, or there are other issues with the home or neighborhood. Market values change with time.  Have your Realtor show you reports of recently sold homes in the same area and of the same size and age.  From this information, you can determine if the home you are looking for is priced well or not. Ask if there are any special assessments or any community actions that are keeping buyers from purchasing this home.

Are there any easements on the property?  Occasionally, a utility company or a neighbor might own an easement on the property.  If there is one, find out all the details about it.  It may not be an issue, and you can move forward.

What are the annual taxes?  Make sure you figure this into your budget, so you are sure you can afford the payments.

How old is the  ____?  Find out how old everything in the home is, including the roof, appliances, hot water heater, furnace, well pump, garage door opener, etc.   Find out as much information on these items as possible, and ask for receipts, warranty information, and where the items were purchased.  They may need to be replaced in the future, and knowing their age can help you determine future maintenance costs.  In addition, if the items are relatively new, they may still be on warranty.

When was the remodeling done?  If there was remodeling done on the home, ask when that occurred, and talk to the city to find out if the work was inspected and if it was done with a permit.  If it was not inspected, make sure your home inspector looks at that carefully, to determine if everything is done to code.

What is included in the sale?  Appliances, window coverings, area rugs and swing sets are often included in the sale price of a home.  This is not always the case, so it’s best to find out before you make an offer.

When can we close?  The closing date might be negotiable.  The current owner may want to delay closing while they are finishing the sale on their new property, or they may want to speed it up.  This is not the same for every home, so if you have a specific date in mind, make sure you discuss it with your Realtor.

Contact us when you are ready to look for a new home, our experienced Realtors can help you with these questions.