The responsibility and liability of buying a house is considerable. You are bound to the home you purchase until you successfully sell it. You must therefore be extra cautious and ask as many questions as you can before closing a deal. Here are some questions that you should not forget to ask before buying a house.
Can you have a copy of the home’s sales history?
You should know how many times your home has been sold over the years, as well as the price each time. You will be able to see the value changes of your property, which you can use in future negotiations and when selling the house.
What are the monthly and annual costs of utility and maintenance?
Nobody wants to live in a house that has astronomical utility bills. It makes the owner look like he or she is rich. You should know the annual maintenance costs, as well as water, gas, and power bills, to determine if you are able to afford a home.
What is the property tax?
The value of the home is what determines the main property tax. However, the amount the current owners pay is an important factor in determining future costs.
Is the house unusually old or has it been involved in any crimes?
Brokers or sellers should disclose any history of suicide, murder or death. A history that is unusual, such as appearing in a movie, magazine or commercial, should also be disclosed. If a house is featured in the public media, it could be a sign of a privacy breach in the future. A negative history may make it difficult to sell a house in future.
When was the roof last repaired or replaced?
Roof replacements can cost up to $10,000. Future homeowners should be aware of when such a large expense may be due.
Is there a parking restriction around the property?
It is possible for future guests to need to park outside the home, even if it has a garage. The last thing you need is to have your guests’ cars towed.
Are there on-going warranties for the kitchen appliances, garage door, HVAC system, and more?
The cost of replacing any of these items can easily reach thousands of dollars. The warranties will save you a lot of cash in the future.
Are there any renovations or additions made by the current and past owners?
Upgrades can cost a lot. If you are planning to add or renovate the home, it is important to know who worked there before.
Are there any problems with sewage or broken pipes?
It is better to be aware of these problems before hiring a home inspection. The cost to repair such issues can be a significant amount.
Is there a current or past pest infestation?
It can be expensive and time-consuming to get rid of a rodent or insect problem. It is better to know about this than wait until it’s too late.
Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1029918-buying-a-home-don-t-forget-to-ask-these-questions?rtmpage=
