The home buying process can often be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Before you make an offer on a house, it pays to ask a handful of questions. While the answers might scare you off or make you rethink your bid, they could make you feel more confident that you're making the right move on the right house. Before you make an offer on a house, it pays to ask a handful of questions. Here are seven questions to ask before you make the offer and avoid a terminal case of buyer’s remorse.
Plumbing
1. Do the faucets work properly? Have the listing agent show you the water flow from each faucet in the house.
2. How old is the hot water heater and what is the size?
3. What material are the pipes made of?
4. Has anything been repaired recently?
5. Is everything up to current code?
Electrical
6.What is the rate of the electricity flow in the house?
7.How much are utilities?
Sellers who aren't trying to hide something should be more than willing to share their utility bills with you.
Chimney
8.Ask to see any documentation of regular maintenance, and be sure to have your inspector look for signs of a chimney fire.
9.Ask if a fire has occurred,
A fire could threaten the structural stability of the chimney and may need to be replaced.
The Seller
10..How much did the seller pay?
This question will help you know if values have gone up or down since the seller bought the home.
11.How many offers has the seller received?
This question will help you construct a strong offer to survive the completion in a multiple offer situation.
Other Important Questions
12.How much have similar homes sold for in the neighborhood?
This question is your best bet in knowing the value of the home. Your bank’s appraiser will rely on the sold comparable to compute value.
13. How long has the home been on the market?
If the home has been on the market for 90 days or longer , you might be able to negotiate a discount on the price of the home.
The Roof
14.How old is the roof?
15.Has the roof undergone any maintenance recently?
16.Are there receipts detailing exactly what was done and how much it cost?
17.What is the general condition of the roof?
