Buying a home can be a tedious, long-winded process that takes a lot out of you. By the time you find a place you like, you might be ready to throw in the towel and take whatever they’ve got. However, your job isn’t quite done when you find a place—there’s a lot you should know about the potential home that you still need to ask about. Let’s take a look at some of the questions to ask the seller before buying a house, so you can go into negotiations with all of the right information.
“How long has this house been on the market?”
This is one of those questions that you want to ask as early in the process as possible. If you can’t ask the seller directly, ask your real estate agent. A house that’s been on the market for a long time is usually due to some kind of problem with the property. This question will also help you tailor your price, as newer houses on the market will go for more than one that’s been there for a few months.
“How much are the utilities?”
This is especially important if you’re moving from an apartment. The mortgage is one thing, but you’ll also need to factor the price of water, gas, electricity, internet, and trash services into your monthly budget. This may also tell you a little something about the area you’re in. If the price is higher than your previous home, don’t be afraid to ask why it’s higher.
“When was the house last inspected?”
You need to know that you’re moving into a safe house and not one that’s a hair’s breadth away from falling over. The seller should have this knowledge on hand; if they don’t, it’s an immediate red flag. You need to make sure there are no cracks in the foundation, there’s no rotting wood anywhere, the basement isn’t filled with radon, there aren’t any vermin crawling around, and a lot more.
“What are the neighbors like?”
You’re going to be living next to those people for quite some time, so it pays to know what kind of people your potential neighbors are. If you’re looking for a quiet neighborhood and the house next to you has regular loud parties, that’s something you should know right off the bat. Keep an ear out for if the seller doesn’t have much to say when you ask this question. It could mean there’s a problem they’re trying to hide.
These are just some of the questions to ask the seller before buying a house, but they are very important ones that shouldn’t be overlooked. Buying a home is a path with a lot of potholes, but with a little preparation, you can navigate it with ease.
