Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your life. Yet few people have a sense of how to really approach the process, how to make sure that they get their money's worth and are finding a house that's in good shape and free of problems.
One way to make sure the house is right for you is to ask questions about the home, both of the realtor and the seller. These basic questions will help you uncover homes that could be potentially problematic. Let's look at some of the common questions.
How long has the house been on the market? This question seems quite simple, but it really gives buyers a great deal of information. For instance, if a house has been on the market for a while it indicates that the sellers may be more flexible in pricing and willing to entertain offers, or at the very least, negotiate for a fair price.
Has the home been in escrow already? This is important to know. If someone wanted to buy the home already, but couldn't go through with the sale, it may be something as simple as the buyer not being able to arrange financing. Or it could mean that the buyer found something wrong with the home and pulled out. You have every right to find out why the sale didn't go through.
What is the condition of the home? When was the home built? A lot of sellers will try to make cosmetic changes to a home, but they may be to the surface, not true repairs. You need to find out about any potential problems before you buy. You should always have the home inspected to uncover problems that you don't see in a routine examination.
Are there any additional fees besides the home price? Many homes have home owner association dues that the owner must pay each month. Of course, home owners will always have to pay property tax. It's important to know how much tax and any other fees will be before you buy.
What's the traffic like in the neighborhood? Is there a steady stream of commuters that are trying to get onto the freeway? Are there new highways or roads being planned? Are there new housing developments planned in the area. More developments mean the house is in a community that is in high demand, which is good in terms of retail pricing, but it also means that there will be substantially more traffic.
Asking a few questions before you buy can save you a world of regrets after the sale is finished, and can save you a lot of money. More information gives you better buying power to enjoy your new home.
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