11 Important Questions To Ask When House Hunting
2022 May 19 | by Apple Barretto
What questions should I ask when house hunting?
- How long has the property been on the market?
- What are the comparable sales in the area?
- Why is the owner selling the property?
- When was this home built or last renovated?
- What’s included in the sale?
- How old are the appliances and major systems?
- How much are the utility bills and property taxes?
- Is the home in a flood zone or prone to other natural disasters?
- What is the neighborhood like?
- What are the neighbors like?
- What are the advantages of buying a brand new home vs a secondhand home?
Going out to find your dream home is an exciting time in your life, but it can also be one of the most stressful. To make your search easier and more efficient, it helps to come prepared with a list of questions to ask when house hunting. These will help you get more details about the property, which you can then use to make a more informed decision about which home is right for you and your family.
How long has the property been on the market?
Depending on how long the property has been for sale, the seller may be more or less motivated to lower their price offerings. Those that have been sitting for some time may have sellers who are more receptive to a deal. But, keep in mind that these types of properties may also have major problems, which have stopped other potential buyers in the past from closing the deal.
On the other hand, a home that hasn’t been on the market for long may have more interested buyers, so you might need to prepare to quickly make an offer.
What are the comparable sales in the area?
You should know whether the house you’re looking at is reasonably priced or not. The best way to find out is to compare it to others within the neighborhood, particularly to those with the same lot size and house type.
If the cost is higher than the average price, then be ready to negotiate. But, if the house is priced considerably lower, this may be a sign of problems with the property or the home itself.
Why is the owner selling the property?
Knowing the reason why the owner is putting up their home for sale will help you understand how motivated they are when it comes to negotiating on price. The owner may be moving to another place or another major life event may be happening. The more urgent their reason is, the more flexible they will be with selling the house.
When was this home built or last renovated?
If built recently, the home will likely be more expensive than one that was built decades ago. On the other hand, a home that is newly renovated will likely have different conditions and selling prices when compared to others in the neighborhood. Knowing the property’s improvement history will help you better understand the house’s quality and the reason for the seller’s asking price.
One thing to be cautious about is a previous homeowner who liked “do-it-yourself” projects. They may not have renovated or made additions to their home using the proper techniques or gotten permits for the work done.
What’s included in the sale?
Fixtures such as built-in closets, faucets, and the like are typically included in most homes. But, you should always ask what’s included in the sale to be sure. You may just be surprised to find out that some appliances, outdoor structures, and other items are included with the home.
How old are the appliances and major systems?
When you know what’s included in the sale, ask how old these items are. This will help you better anticipate their condition and remaining lifespan. Understanding this will also help you anticipate major repairs or replacement costs.
If these items are already at the end of their lifespan or near it, you can try asking your agent or the seller if there are warranties that can help cover their replacement costs.
How much are the utility bills and property taxes?
When you look at homes, you should not only look at the initial price but also check what kind of expenses you should anticipate per year. Sellers normally provide property tax information, which is a good place to start. But, ask also if you can have an estimated utility bill per month.
If the cost is a bit higher than expected, you should be ready to negotiate the price. But, if the cost is drastically higher or lower than it should be, it may mean there is a problem with the home or its electrical systems.
Is the home in a flood zone or prone to other natural disasters?
You should be prepared to take on potential problems with a new home, including the likelihood of natural disasters and the resulting damage. Ask your agent or the seller if the area is prone to flooding or other problems. You can also ask your agent for their opinion on the house, particularly if it is built to withstand such natural disasters.
What is the neighborhood like?
You can always change stuff you don’t like about a house once you buy it, but you can’t do that with the neighborhood you’re buying into. It’s important that you like the place you’ll be living in for the foreseeable future. Ask your agent all about the neighborhood, such as their safety and security measures, nearby commercial centers, traffic, amenities, and more.
You can also search up the neighborhood in your free time. You can find out a lot about a community through their official websites, such as their homeowner’s association, village rules, community activities, and more.
What are the neighbors like?
A big contributor to how nice a neighborhood is its community. Ask your agent or the seller about what the community is like. Is it a family-friendly place? Are there lots of pets? Are your closest neighbors friendly, quiet, or noisy?
You could also drive around the area to take a look for yourself. The people who already live in this place are a great indicator of the quality and safety of the community.
What are the advantages of buying a brand new home vs a secondhand home?
When house hunting, you can choose between a brand new home and a secondhand home. The most obvious benefit to buying a brand new home as opposed to a secondhand home is the fact that everything is in good working condition such as the pipelines, wirings, flooring, and roofing, and nothing needs to be repaired. Brand new homes will also feature modern amenities like open floor plans, improved insulation, and upgraded kitchens. Most of all, buying a brand new home lets you benefit from higher resale value.
But if you are on a tight budget, buying a secondhand home can be ideal. Most secondhand homes come with furniture that was left behind by the previous owner.
Key Takeaway
Trying to find the perfect home can be very overwhelming. But, knowing the right questions to ask when house hunting helps you weed out the duds from the diamonds.
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