When you're considering the purchase of an existing home, it's very easy to become blinded by your desire to close the deal on your dream house. The drive-up appeal is there, the layout is just what you wanted, and there's a nice, big backyard for the kids. Because you want to make this work so badly, you fail to notice (either consciously or unconsciously) the cracks on the walls, the rotting floorboards in the living room, that musty smell lingering through the halls.

To protect yourself and your investment, you'll want to make sure that you have a professional home inspection of the property before you even give a minute's consideration to buying any house. But you can conduct your own investigation as a prospective homeowner, as well. An informal "chat" with the current owners can be even more valuable than a professional inspection. Why? Nothing beats face-to-face conversation. Granted, the current owners want to sell. But if they want to sell badly enough, they'll respond openly and honestly to your questions, and they'll be willing to resolve any issues or conduct any repairs that stand in the way of your closing the deal.

So what should you ask the current owners? The following questions will provide you with a good start. And just like any journalist conducting an interview, as you proceed with your questions, you'll often think of other points you want to cover. These questions are merely a guideline; feel free to jump off the course occasionally. Whenever possible, ask your questions in "open-ended" style. "Yes" or "no" questions are too easy for the respondent, and they don't help you as a prospective owner. And as you listen to the owner's responses, don't interrupt. Let silence creep in occasionally. Your silence tends to lead to the owner's volunteering more information.

Start with the following questions:

Published: March 29, 2000

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