Questions You Should Ask When Buying a House

Buying a home is a significant commitment and investment, so it’s vital to ask questions during the home-buying process to ensure you have all the best information.

Once you have a couple of potential properties on your list, you still have to do the most crucial part, asking the right questions. In this regard, many people wonder what to ask when buying a house in Beverly Hills. The only way to get all your answers is by knowing which questions to ask when buying a home. 

Why is the Owner Selling?

You should find out why the owner is selling the property because it can help you out during the negotiation. Knowing why the homeowner wants to sell can significantly inform your decision. If they’re selling because they’ve taken a new job in another city, they may be hoping to sell quickly and willing to lower the asking price. If they’re selling because there’s an issue with the house, you may be able to get a better deal or look elsewhere. A realtor like Kellycaldwell.ca would be able to assess the situation and see what the best move would be.

If you feel uncomfortable asking this question directly, this is one of the reasons having an experienced real estate agent, like those at Michael St. Jean Realty, is such a big help. They can ask the question themselves or track down the information for you.

How Long Has the House Been on the Market?

If the house has been on the market for a significant length of time, that may indicate that the price is too high or that the property has a major issue. Finding the answer to this question can help prospective home buyers determine whether the seller is desperate to sell and likely to accept a lower offer.

How Old is the Roof? 

The roof is one of the most expensive parts of a house and a common deal-breaker during house sales. A roof that’s over 20 years old may need costly repairs sooner rather than later, depending on the level of care. 

A well-installed and well-maintained roof can last for 30 years or longer, while a poorly installed or poorly maintained roof might need replacement after five or 10 years. Look at the roof carefully for signs of wear or damage and keep an eye on issues listed in the home inspection.

How Old are the Appliances?

It’s easy to be dazzled by 12-foot ceilings and other aesthetic features, but you need to pay attention to the inner workings of the house, like the HVAC system, water heater, roof, electrical system, and plumbing.

Major systems like air conditioning or heating have finite lifespans, and it’s essential to know how old they are to gauge how much longer they’ll work before they need replacement. If the house’s appliances are at high risk of failing soon, you may be able to negotiate a better deal or have the seller cover some of the closing costs to make up for the price of repairs or replacement.

These are just some of the questions you should be asking when you’re looking for a new home. Arming yourself with the right information will help you make a good decision when making such a significant investment.

 

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