Questions to ask when viewing a house?
Question:I'm just about to go looking to buy my first house, is there anything specific or not obvious questions, that i should be asking the owners/estate agents, not just the normal type of questions.
Answers:
Each house is a little different. For example, in an older house you will want to ask when they last replaced the roof, when they last replaced water heater and furnace/ac things like that. You should also make a list of the things you need (i.e. do you need 3 bedrooms, or need 2 but three is nice.) and the things you want.
The best thing you can do is talk to a realtor. Laws are different in different states, but here, the realtor that represents the buyer will help them with those kinds of questions.
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The loft! Thats the place people always miss, but its good to check it out for defects. Also, the roof tiling
you could ask about council tax band? Is property on water meter?
Ask what the neighbours are like. Do drive around the area at different times of the day to see who is about, kids etc
Does it have a door? Does it have any walls? Does it have any of those air freshener things that you plug in? Does it have bears? Is this mayonnaise any good?
Look for cracks in the wall and ceiling that may indicate foundation problems.
Ask if appliances stay or go with the sale.
Ask if large items such as jacuzis and pool tables and bars stay or go.
Do NOT worry about paint color or wallpaper. Its a non-issue. Its too easy just to tear down and/or paint over.
Ultimately, if you like the house and want a second opinion, you should hire a professional house inspector.
Does the house have a home warranty
What are the comps in the area
How long has the house been on the market
Will you take less
You could ask:
What did the previous owners do to the house?
Is there a good school near by?
Any good places for our kids to hang out--playground maybe?
How's the house's main electrical power? Any complaints from the previous owner?
How many bedrooms? Baths? A good room for a baby?
Just stuff that you would want from that home.
Does the house have sewer or city water? Does the house have mold, or any water problems? How old is the house? Does the house have hardwood floors, carpet, or vynil?
Ask the owners about their neighbours, you can redecorate inside but you will have great difficulty changing bad neighbours.
If you are in the UK ask about the community charge,
You need to have the house inspected they will check out the plumming the wiring and check it for structural defects. The average person isn't trained to do this.
Most of your answers should come from an independent company that will examine the house from top to bottom inspecting for everything from leaks, bugs, foundation problems, etc. You have to pay extra for the inspection, but it will be well worth it. Homeowners usually have a disclosure form that tells you things like taxes, utility costs, ages of appliances, roof, furnace, etc.
Questions worth asking: Is this area being considered for development? Is this a commercial zoned area? What are the schools like? Is the local water drinkable? And, do the neighbors have loud parties or really mean dogs?!?
will the bedroom ceiling hold a sex swing?
* Why it's being sold? Try to see what the situation is that's forcing the sale - a divorce, move out of state, death, etc. This helps your bargaining position
* How long it's been on the market? Sometimes sellers take homes off the market if they have trouble selling it. Try to find this out to increase your bargaining position - if it's been on the market 6+ months you can deal better than if it's only been on the market a week.
* Has there been any crimes committed in the house?
* Did the owners have any pets?
* What school district is it in? Helps later with resale to take this into account
* Has there been any water damage/termite damage?
* How are the neighbors?
* Is there anything really noisy nearby? (fire station, moving truck business, etc)
* Is the owner willing to provide financing? May be able to get a better rate this way.
In no particular order:
- Council tax band & cost
- What are the neighbours like?
- What is the area like? (ask estate agent this)
- Is house dbl glazed?
- Central heating questions (e.g. is gas combi boiler fitted? - these are more economical)
- What is included in the sale e.g. carpets, curtains etc
- How long have the owners lived there?
- Why are they moving?
- If the house has an extension, ask about it.when was it built etc
- When was the house built?
- Is it an ex-council house?
- Has the house been burgled before?
- Check outside surroundings of the property e.g. are there electricity pylons close by? (think of things that may affect you being able to sell the property in the future)
- Is the water to the house on a meter?
- Have a look at corners of the rooms (floor and ceilings) to see if there are any signs of damp
- If you have any particular hobbies or for example own a dog, ask if there are places locally to walk the dog, take part in hobbies (e.g. golf)
If you are unsure about anything when viewing a property then just ask - it can be useful sometimes if the owners are there because they are more likely to know the answers, the estate agents will make things seem ok just to get a sale.
as a former homeowner i am very familiar with this anxiety.
i will compile a short list of questions i feel pertinent to your situation and hopefully they will help you make an informed choice.
1. is this house haunted?
this one is paramount, as haunting is the worst of all curses. ghosts eat all your bread and then what are going to do for breakfast? eggs with no toast? no way.
2. how close is the nearest liquor store?
every good realator knows the answer to this. in fact on page 37 of the century21 manual it lists all the proximal locations of all fine booze dispensorys .
3. are my neighbors hot
this question almost made it to number two in importance. but lets face it, if you can't get drunk easily then where are you going to find the courage to talk to that pretty lass or fine gentleman?
4. can i use this location as part of an international gun smuggling ring and meth production facility?
not saying you would, but it's just good to know.
5. best guess, how many ping pong balls would it take to fill the living room?
anything less than 200,000 and your realator is either mathematically retarded or trying to stick you in a tiny house with absolutely no room for a pit-o-balls. and lets be real here for a minute. that is the entire reason for buying a house. to romp and play.
depending on how old the property is..you should ask how old the boiler is as they are expensive to repair or replace..the last time it had a flood as water damage can be detremental without you knowing. trust me on that one..haha
loft installation but look for signs of vermin or infestation..wood lice, ants, mice droppins, cat poop in the garden means the neighbours have cats etc etc. good luck
I would think the most important thing was WHO LIVES NEXT DOOR. We lived for some time inbetween two mad women. It was hell but they've both died now so things have improved a lot!!
1) check homes in the neighborhood
2) ask around in the community about why the home is on the market.or for how long..
3) ask about pets inside
4) contact city hall maintence dept and see if the house has had sewer problems reported
5) see termite contract or last inspection
6) ask how long appliances have been in use and had a service call on them.also the central unit
7) remember anything attached to house is part of the house when sold...such as drop in stoves, built in things
8) check attic to see if any signs of leakage up there
9) check corner baseboards of any signs of mold...as well as in closets
10) go with your gut instinct on the house
These are just a few questions , and important ones to consider .
1.Does the cellar stay dry? (best to look at a house when it rains , you will be able to see how the cellar is , whether or not it has markings from a wet cellar )
2. How is the roof ? (sometimes the roof could leak , check that out , then you can include that within the deal )
3.Ask about a bargaining tool for instance , do they keep money in the house for so many years ? (that can be done , helps the buyer )
4. Check the electric and heating bills from pryer owners , unless your buying a new home , that gives you an idea of what kind of expense your looking at .
5.And remember the Realtor is to work for you , so its what you want that matters.
Dont let them talk you into something you may not want just soTHEY get there're sale .
6. ask about the heater if its an old house , make sure things are working .
Ask for a disclosure statement from the real estate agent. If they don't furnish you with one, walk away. Then read the disclosure statement when you get it and question as much on it as possible. Find someone that knows about houses and take them with you. They can point things out or ask things you might not even think of.
Will I be required to pay a fee to the Homeowner's Association? What will that fee cover?
If it is a subdivision-
Are you allowed to have friends/visitors park on the street or in the driveway after a certain time (it sounds dumb but I have friends who bought in to a subdivision and didn't ask and they actually get rude letters from the HOA for parking in their own driveway at night (instead of in the garage) or for having guests who park in the street in front of their house.
Ask to see the seller's disclosure. That will show you what the owner knows about the property. Any defects, current problems SHOULD be disclosed there.
What are the neighbours like?
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