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Important Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home

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Before closing the deal, make sure you have the answers to these questions.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an old pro, buying a home is a major endeavor.  Oftentimes, it’s easy for buyers to fall so in love with a property that they overlook more practical considerations.  To ensure that you don’t get too caught up and make a poor investment, here are some of the questions to ask before closing on a home.

  • How long has the home been on the market?

Before making an offer on a home, you should ask your realtor how long it has been on the market.  If it’s been for sale for a long time, then this could indicate that there are issues with the property.  In this case, you should be cautious and make a lower offer on the home.  If the home has been on the market for fewer than 21 days, then you shouldn’t risk going in with too low of an offer.  Low bids can easily be usurped by a competitive buyer.

  • What’s included in the sale?

When you buy a home, it’s not always clear what you are getting.  While you will get the structure of the home, the current owner might take appliances, window treatments, and lighting fixtures with them when they leave.  The more that the owner takes, the more it will cost you to make the home livable.  So, make sure you know what is included with the home sale and get this in writing before closing on a home.

  • Does the home pose safety hazards that won’t be found in a standard inspection?

Obviously, you want to ensure that the home you are buying is a safe one.  While home inspections are designed to alert prospective homebuyers about the dangers they may face, some inspectors do not look for certain issues unless specifically asked.  During your inspection, make sure to ask about hazards like lead paint, asbestos, radon, mold, and infestations.  This way, you know exactly what you are getting into if you go ahead with the sale.

These are some of the important questions to ask before buying a home.  Do you need help buying or selling your home this year?  Then contact the experts at Brighton Escrow.  Serving the Hermosa Beach area, we are ready to offer you the top-tier escrow service you deserve.