What are the best questions to ask when buying your first house?

Question

I would like to know what questions you asked when buying your first home or what you wished you had asked before you bought your first home. Appreciate any fast response, as I am jumping in!

Answer 1

get a HOME INSPECTION! no ifs and or butts. I bought the house because it was us. that's it the house speaks to you. get a termite inspection and appraisal and make sure it appraises for the amount you are paying.

Answer 2

I suggest you ask about the neighborhood and the immediate neighbors. Everything about the house should be answered in the sellers disclosure form or will be revealed after you have competent inspections done on the property. You may want to find out if the property has been stigmatized in any way (which could limit present and future value). If you have kids, ask about the schools and then check the sex offender database to see if you have any predators living close by.Other than that, the only question to ask is "why is the seller selling?". The answer on this one is for one purpose; to figure out how desperate the seller is (part of an estate, divorce, job transfer, financial trouble, etc.)in consideration to making your offer. Don't forget that it usually doesn't cost you anymore to have a Realtor (buyer's representative) working for you and guiding you through the process. Congrats and Good luck!

Answer 3

1. How much of a loan can I qualify for?

2. What loan type will best suit my needs and goals?

3. How much of a house payment, including taxes and insurance am I going to be comfortable with?

4. How do I choose a mortgage lender who will look after my best interests and educate me on the process so that I may make informed decisions?

5. Knowing that the listing Realtor represents the seller, how do I choose a Realtor to be my advocate in the home buying process?

6. Have I refined my vision of the perfect home in such a way that I can communicate it to my Realtor so that they may successfully screen available properties and limit my search to only those which meet my basic criteria?


All of the above are crucial to having a smooth, successful, and stress less experience.

I have some articles I can email you to help you with these issues. Feel free to email me.

Answer 4

continually get a house inspection. this sort you will detect out on the subject of the commencing place, wiring, plumbing and heating and air furnishings are in sturdy situation. If the artwork carried out in the domicile so a great way has been carried out as much as code. New Carpet and tilings may be masking hidden issues an inspector can locate those issues out for you. What you get for some hundreds money can forestall hundreds of greenbacks later.

Answer 5

When you make the offer, make sure that you get it inspected (as a contingiancy) before you jump! The inspector is very helpfull and can help you from purchasing a 'lemon'. Let your real estate agent recommend the inspector.

Good Luck & Congrats on your first home!

Answer 6

Find out the history of the house and age.

Any changes-what and when

Age and expected life of heat/cool system, water heater, roof and appliances.

Taxes, insurance and schools.

Neighborhood crime (check with police)

You need to have the house inspected.

It would probably be best if you had someone to help, like a family member or even a realtor would be best.

Mostly, take your time.

Answer 7

You should seek representation from a Realtor. One whom has experience in the business and the area you plan to purchase in. I suggest you contact 3 Realtors, choose those with GRI, CRS designations, as they have taken time to become more educated in the business. Select the one you are most comfortable with. As for the questions you should as, the Realtor you chose will help you with those. Good Luck! And Congratulations on deciding to become a homeowner and supported our economy!

Answer 8

- Yearly Taxes (paid through your mortgage?)
- Average Monthly Utility costs (electric, oil, gas)
- Is DSL available?
- Cable TV (is it wired in?)
- House Insurance cost
- Schools (quality, distances, bus pick-up location)
- If road is adequatelty maintained in winter (if applicable)
- Zoning (in the event you want to operate a home-based business)
- Whether sellers will be leaving owners manuals for appliances and remote controls for garage door(s)
- If they plan to leave anything behind (furniture, appliances, junk)
- Whether you need to negotiate pro-rated costs for residual LP gas and/or fuel oil or fire wood left behind.
- If the house contains fireplace(s) and/or wood stove(s), when the last chimney cleanings were performed.


You MUST also get the following:

- A tax assessment (and the date issued)
- A site plan (map), before beginning any negotiations
- Home Inspection (structural)
- Septic Inspection (if applicable)
- Title Search (usually mandatory by the mortgage lender)

If you have a really good real estate broker (who's working for YOU), he/she will help you formulate your questions and help with your negotiations. I worked with one who was a tremendous help throught the entire process. She even attended my closing with me. Although her commission was a percentage of the sale, I also picked up a US$150.00 fee of hers. It was well worth it, as she got me thousands of dollars in sellers' give-backs, because she was so thorough.

Good luck!