Buying a home is a huge step towards building a bright future. It is a large investment that requires effort and good decision-making.
One way to score your dream home is to research the property and interview its seller. So before you make this momentous purchase, make sure to ask these important questions first
Why are you selling the house?
First, you need to ask why they are selling the house. There are many reasons for relocating, but it should not be involved with the property itself. If their reasons are quite vague, it may indicate a red flag.
How much did you pay for this house?
One of the most important questions is the original price of the house. This will inform you of any rise or fall in local prices. If the seller paid lower than the market price, then you can negotiate.
How much is your monthly expenses?
Even though expenses constantly change, it will still be beneficial to know the average monthly expenses. The home seller should be open when it comes to sharing their utility and maintenance bills.
Did you renovate before?
Next, ask the seller if there were any major repairs or renovations made. This way, you will be aware of the past problems they have encountered. You should also ask them if there are current damages that need to be addressed.
You should also determine if they have remodeled the house such as modifying the layout or adding an extra room. This can give you a glimpse of how to maintain the property.
What will be included in our purchase?
It is better to be informed of the inclusions as early as now. Sometimes this isn’t properly communicated between the seller and the buyer. Ask for the specific furniture that you will be getting from the purchase.
How long has your home been on sale?
If you know how long the property has been on the market, you can gauge if the listing price is reasonable. When the house has been listed for too long, it may leave a wrong impression on buyers.
Are there good schools nearby?
Asking about the quality of schools in the area is important, especially if you have kids. The home sellers can share more about their experience with the local schools. You can also ask them if they recommend any specific schools.
How is the neighborhood?
Lastly, get to know more about the neighborhood. Ask the seller about the personalities of their neighbors, what the dynamic is like, and how they behave.
It would be very helpful to ask about the crime statistics. This will determine if there are risks to avoid.
While it may feel intimidating to interrogate the home seller, it is very essential to sit down with them and ask these crucial questions. Doing this will allow you to make better decisions based on first-hand data.
If you are well-informed before making the purchase, you will have a comfortable transaction and avoid unwanted expenses in the future.
David & Sunny is the real-estate solution you need in Los Altos. Reach out to us and we’ll make your home-buying plans come to life. Call us at 650.489.6251 or send us an email at davidandsunny(at)compass(dotted)com.
