Buying a home is a big decision that no one should take lightly. There are several factors to keep in mind before deciding that the property you’re purchasing is the right one for you.
While it may be challenging to know beforehand whether the property is “the one” or not, there are some questions you may ask before making the purchasing decision. On this page, we’re going to take a look at 10 common questions to ask before buying a home.
Question One: What’s Your Budget?
The most important thing to consider before buying a home is your budget. Keep in mind that there are other extra expenses besides the sale price, such as:
- Appraisal
- Inspections
- Mortgage Insurance/Interest
- Homeowners Insurance
- Home Ownership Association (HOA) Fees
- Property Taxes
If you want to make a smarter purchase, you must start by narrowing down your selection to options you can truly afford.
Question Two: Where’s the Property Located?
Some properties are located in flood zones or natural disaster areas; while that’s not necessarily bad for the buyer, these properties may need additional insurance coverage, such as flood insurance.
Knowing if the house you’re going to buy is located in a dangerous area may help you decide whether you want to go through with the purchase and seek better insurance coverage or look for other options.
Question Three: What’s Included in the Sale?
Depending on your state’s laws, the house may or may not include some fixtures, such as faucets or cabinets. Some sellers don’t include everything the house doesn’t have in the listing description.
The best way to solve this issue is to ask the seller directly what’s included with the sale.
Question Four: Did the House Go Through Any Renovations?
If the house went through some considerable renovations, the listing description may not match the property records. Knowing what was done with the property over the years can help you understand why the seller is asking for that specific price and determine whether the property is in good condition or not.
Question Five: How Old Are the Appliances?
Appliances, such as water heaters, washers, furnaces, and others, have a particular lifespan. In case some appliances are near the end of their lifespan, you must ask the seller for a home warranty to cover any replacement or repair costs coming soon.
Question Six: Are There Any Health Hazards in the Property?
There are some particular hazards some people overlook while buying a home, and some of these can be fatal for you or your family in some cases. Some of the most common hazards found in homes are:
- Asbestos
- Radon
- Infestations
- Mold
- Lead paint
Question Seven: How Long Has the House Been on the Market?
In most cases, if the property has been on the market for too long, it may be an indicator that something is wrong with it. It’s recommended not to make any low offers if the house has been on the market for under 21 days.
Question Eight: How Much Have Houses Nearby Sold for?
A great way to determine if you’re getting a good deal for your house is to compare it with other properties nearby. In case the house you’re buying has a significantly higher price than the rest of the neighborhood, you must ask why.
Question Nine: How Old Is the House’s Roof?
Roofs typically have a long lifespan, but they still need regular maintenance if you don’t want them to collapse. You must ask your seller how old the current roofing system is to get a sense of when you’re going to need to replace it or make any significant repairs. You can check the listings in FL real estate. It’s not just roof maintenance you need to query when buying a house. The drains are just as important. Ideally, the property will have properly maintained drains that have had professional drain cleaning done regularly.
Question 10: How Is the Neighborhood?
While this is not as important as the others, you need to know how the neighborhood is to determine whether that’s a safe place for you and your family to live in.
Make sure to ask the seller for a general sense of what the neighbors are typically like so that you have an idea of what to expect if you move in.
Bottom Line
Many factors are included in a home’s purchase, but if you know where to look, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for sooner than later. If what you want is to give your home a new touch instead of buying a completely new property, MG Construction & Decks can help you renovate your house and transform it into your dream home!
Author’s Bio
Donnie Strompf is a marketing professional that hails from the USA. He has developed a knack for finding the perfect advertising strategy to match his client’s needs and goals. Currently working as an outreach manager for flyxo.com. He excels at developing meaningful relationships with his business associates and goes above and beyond to ensure that each client achieves their goal with each content campaign developed. When Donnie is not creating marketing projects, he spends his time swimming with friends and family.
