July 27, 2022 | Sexton Real Estate Group
Are you in the market for a new house? If so, it’s important to ask the right questions when touring potential homes. You don’t want to miss anything important, and you don’t want to regret your decision later on. In this article, we will discuss 5 must-ask questions that will help you make the best decision possible when buying a home. Let’s get started!
When looking at a house, who should you bring?
Your real estate agent is always a great idea. They will know what to look for in a house and can help you negotiate a better price. If you are not working with an agent, bring a friend or family member who can give you an honest opinion about the property.
You should also bring a tape measure! This may seem like an odd thing to bring, but you’ll want to make sure that your furniture will fit in the new space. Nothing is worse than falling in love with a house only to realize that your couch won’t fit through the door!
What should you Look for When Viewing a House?
When you are looking at homes to buy, it is important to keep in mind what your needs and wants are. This will help you prioritize what is most important to you in a home. It is also helpful to keep in mind your budget and what you are willing to sacrifice to stay within that budget. However, even if you know what you are looking for, there are still some key questions that you should ask when touring a house.
What to Ask a Realtor When Viewing a House
You’ve finally found the house of your dreams. It has everything you’ve ever wanted: the perfect location, ample space, and all within your budget. But before you put in an offer, there are a few questions you should ask the realtor leading the tour. Here are 5 must-ask questions to ask when touring a house!
1. Why is the home on the market?
When viewing a potential new house, your first inquiry should be, “Why are you choosing to sell?” Moving because of a job or wanting more or less space is an acceptable reason and poses no problems. What you don’t want is a vague or suspicious response that leaves you wondering whether they are moving out because of unfavorable neighbors, lousy school districts, expensive house repairs, or other similar problems that can cause you problems in the future.
2. How long has the house been available on the market?
You should find out why the residence has been listed for three months or longer. Are there any issues with it that more informed purchasers have seen but you haven’t yet? Surveys will reveal any potential issues, but it’s better to learn before you become overly invested in the notion of purchasing a house.
3. Have there recently been any major renovations or additions?
This is important to know for a few reasons. Firstly, you’ll want to be aware of any structural changes that have been made to the house. Secondly, major renovations can sometimes cause problems down the line – so it’s best to be aware of them from the start. Finally, it can give you some insight into the current owner’s taste and style.
If there have been any recent renovations, ask to see before and after photos. This will give you a good idea of the work that has been done and how it has affected the overall look of the house.
It’s also worth asking about any plans for future renovations or additions. This will help you budget for any potential changes down the line, and it will also give you an idea of the owner’s long-term vision for the property.
Finally, don’t forget to ask about the permit situation. If any major changes have been made to the property without a permit, it could cause problems when it comes time to sell.
4. Is the house in a flood zone or subject to natural disasters such as earthquakes?
If the home is in a flood zone or a region that is vulnerable to other natural disasters, that is another question you need to have answered regarding any property you are considering. This implies, at the absolute least, that you’ll probably need to buy more home insurance, a cost you should account for in your spending plan. Knowing the risk could, at worst, convince you that you should go with a different course of action.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your insurance agent about whether or not flood insurance is something you need to consider. Even if the house isn’t located in a flood zone, if it’s in an area that floods frequently, your insurance company may require you to purchase flood insurance.
5. What Exactly Does the Sale Comprise?
Everything that falls under the category of a fixture is typically included in the sale of the house. Items like cabinetry and faucets may fall under this category. Of course, there are situations when even these are not included in the sale and other times when owners leave the buyer with stuff like appliances. Therefore, when you are taking a tour of the house, it is a good idea to inquire as to what is included in the sale so that you are fully aware of your situation.
The Bottomline
The questions listed above are all crucial to ask while viewing a home since they will help you learn the specific details you need to know as a potential buyer. Don’t feel constrained by them, though; rather, utilize them as a starting point and go beyond that. Ask any questions that come to mind without holding back! Remember that you have a right to know absolutely everything about any property you are thinking about buying.
Are You Looking to Invest in Real Estate in Northern California?
The top real estate agency in Northern California, Sexton Group Real Estate | Property Management in Berkeley, California is a boutique real estate company specializing in residential sales for properties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. To better serve our clients we have three local offices, one in the heart of picturesque Berkeley, one near downtown Oakland and the third in the heart of historic Lafayette, California. The Sexton Group encompasses the essence of Berkeley’s charm, Oakland’s history and Lafayette’s family-oriented vibe all with a relaxed, down-to-earth nature. We are an amazing group of real estate agents whose wealth of experience spans more than 25 years in the industry. Looking to buy a home in Contra Costa or Alameda County? Contact us today for your free consultation!
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