By now, you probably know that buying a home involves a lot of steps, all of which are equally important. In this blog post, we tackle the queries you need to be asking the seller before you make an offer. These will help you decide whether the house is the one for you.
Let’s get started!
- “Are there any previous issues you’ve fixed in the house?”
As the prospective new homeowner, you have the right to know about the history of the property you’re purchasing. That includes past problems that have been dealt with accordingly.
Sellers are usually obligated to disclose any existing issues, but knowing past fixes and repairs will be helpful come the day you need to address the same issues. Moreover, the knowledge might help explain some features of the home you might find peculiar.
- “Where are the utility features located?”
Home inspectors can usually tell you where these features are located, but just in case, ask the seller as well. You can ask follow-up questions, such as if the valves and pumps were previously replaced, and if there are other quirks that can affect the operations of these features.
Asking the seller to show you the utilities and how they work is even more important when you’re buying an older home, especially if everything is original.
- “What are your thoughts about the neighborhood?”
Remember that when you’re buying a home, you’re also buying into a neighborhood. The place will have significant effects on your life. Asking about the neighborhood seems like a no-brainer, but some home buyers forget this part.
Aside from the general information like traffic, proximity to schools and facilities, and the neighbors, ask about the seller’s experience of living in the neighborhood. Open the topic conversationally so the seller will be more comfortable to tell you what he loves, what he doesn’t like, and what he will miss the most about the community.
- “Are you planning to leave anything behind?”
Some sellers take all of their possessions with them, while others part ways with some of their items (and even include it in the sale.)
This can work to your advantage if you’re eyeing perhaps a piece of furniture or decor in the home. If they’re willing to sell it, you can make an offer. Additionally, you can make some extra cash if the seller decided to unload other things that you don’t want or need. Alternatively, you can donate these items if you’re not up to hosting a garage sale.
- “Is there anything else I need to know about this house?”
Each house has its own set of quirks that don’t always get disclosed. It could be anything, from a type of migratory bird that chooses to nest in the backyard to ghosts and other energies.
Ask about these quirks during the final walkthrough so you’ll know what to anticipate once you start living in the house.
Buy your dream home in Scottsdale!
Navigate the whole home buying process with Scott Semer, one of the leading real estate experts in the city. Contact him today at 1.480.353.0299 or scott(at)scottsemerrealestate(dotted)com.
