You’ve found the perfect house—congratulations on getting this far! But before submitting an offer, there are a few questions worth asking. The answers can help you understand more about your potential new home as well as any major costs that need to be addressed.
We make it a priority to answer as many of your questions as possible, but some questions may need to be relayed to the homeowner. Either way, it’s your right (and the right thing to do!) to know all the information you need to help ease your decision. So, check out the seven questions below.
1. How much are other homes selling for in the area?
We provide you with how much similar homes in the neighborhood (aka “comps” or comparable real estate) have sold for over the past year or two. Our knowledge of the area will give you a better picture of whether the house you’re interested in is priced appropriately. If the asking price is inflated, we’ll have more room to negotiate.
2. Are there any health or safety concerns?
That quaint old beach house you’re interested in may have all the charming details, but it may also have lots of things you don’t want in a home, such as lead paint, radon, mold, and asbestos. We'll ask the seller for any documentation regarding these issues in advance of making an offer.
3. What are the monthly utility costs?
You’ll want to think beyond your mortgage payment and consider how much the ongoing cost of living will be once you move into your new home. This is something we can request from the current owners. The idea is for there to be as few surprises as possible once you move in and start paying the utility bills.
4. Why is the seller leaving?
This is one question the seller is not required to answer, but we may be able to gather some information for you. Whether the current homeowner is downsizing, relocating, or has another reason for selling, he or she could potentially be motivated to move quickly, which could result in you getting a better deal on the property.
5. Are natural disasters an issue in the area?
Homeowners insurance is a standard cost when buying a home, but depending on where your potential new home is located, there may be additional factors to consider. If the home is in a high-risk flood zone, special flood insurance will be required.
6. How old is the roof of the house?
This important question can lead to thousands of dollars in savings or costs. If the roof is old and needs repairs shortly after you buy the home, this can be a major renovation that comes with a hefty price tag. However, if we find out the roof is past its prime before you buy, we may be able to get the seller to pay for a new roof or we can negotiate the price of the roof as a contingency to the sale.
7. What comes with the home?
Fixtures like cabinets and window treatments are typically included in the price of a home. But appliances like washing machines and refrigerators may not be part of the sale, so it pays to find out.
We're here to help you get answers when making real estate your best investment!