Is it rude to ask some one how much their house was when they bought it?

Question

My boyfriend and I live together in an apartment and have been house-hunting for some time. There have been a few occasions when some one we knew bought a house and either he or I asked how much it was. But everytime we do, we get a pause and a strange look from these people as if they were trying to say "that's none of your business". Is this a rude question to ask? Because if it is, we honestly aren't trying to be. We're just in the market.

As a matter of clarification, we do look through the free "home magazines" from the grocery store and look on-line for houses. We ask because we want to get a general estimate of homes in that area. As I said, we're honestly not trying to be rude.

Answer 1

I don't think that it is really rude, but I think that it is something that you shouldn't do. It could create an awkward moment between you and the person you are asking, and if you are friends with them it could upset them.
It would sound as though they were bragging if they offered the information voluntairly, so it is probably best that it be left alone. Although, you could begin a causual conversation with them by saying something like, "my boyfriend currently live in an apartment and we are looking for a house in the area. The only problem is that we don't know the house price around here. Since you live here I was just wondering if you had seen any houses for sale recently, and if so if you knew how much the houses cost."

Answer 2

It depends on the culture you're in, of course, but in the culture I come from, any inquiry about a person's financial assets is considered private and therefore rude. I think you might want to stop asking these questions.

If you're interested in getting advice about the housing market, you could just phrase the question a little differently: "We're in the market for a house, and we'd appreciate a little guidance. How much do houses usually sell for around here?"

Answer 3

It relies upon on the custom you're in, needless to say, yet interior the custom I come from, any inquiry some person's financial sources is seen inner maximum and subsequently rude. i think of it incredibly is incredibly helpful to end asking those questions. while you're interested in getting suggestion related to the housing industry, you're able to desire to easily word the question somewhat in yet in any different case: "we are contained available in the marketplace for a house, and we'd relish somewhat training. How lots do properties usually sell for around right here?"

Answer 4

Questioning someone's money matters is considering impolite. The exception would be a close friend or family, but in general, it's rude. There are other resources for finding out housing prices if you're in the market.

Answer 5

It is very rude. It's one of those taboo things you aren't supposed to ask about just like a woman's age. We have friends who have bought houses way beyond their means and I would love to know but you can't ask. In most states you can find out what someone paid by looking it up on a state website about property taxes or assessments, it is public information. You can also try www.zillow.com.

Answer 6

Ask people to put you in the ballpark. Some people take a direct request like that as offensive. If you say what are houses in this area selling for you might get a better response.

Answer 7

It is seen as one of those things you don't ask - like how much someone makes or how old they are. If I were you, I would phrase it in the context of your own house hunt. "You know, we've been house hunting, too. What are the prices like in this neighborhood?"

I personally don't find it rude, but some people do.

Answer 8

I think it may be considered a bit rude, unless you guys are tight like family or something. Usually you'll get a coloured or upgraded, exaggerated version of cost, unless its family, or real estate agent. Real Estate Agent--must be someone you have rapport with, otherwise--your guess is good as his.

Research on real estate cost is obtainable without bothering friends and neighbours--it's called the net.:)

Answer 9

Oh it is most definately rude and I am surprised someone hasn't told you by now if you have asked a lot. I don't care if you like my ink pen, don't ask me how much I paid for it, because it is really none of your business. I don't care if your on the market or not. When you make payments, I'll let you know how much to write the check for.

Answer 10

Yes,some people are offended by asking them prices of houses cars there salaries etc.
Look on line at houses that will give you an idea of what is out there.