Ask these questions as you check out a new home.
Buying a home can be a daunting experience. This is especially true when it comes time to view your first property. However, it’s important that you stay focused and do not get too overwhelmed. A great way to stay in control of the situation is by asking questions about the property. Because real estate agents are legally bound to answer truthfully, asking the right questions can be the difference between buying your dream house and making an expensive mistake. Here are some of the important questions to ask your agent.
- “Why is the current owner selling?”
Many home hunters avoid asking this question for fear of being nosy. If the seller has requested privacy, then the agent does not have to give you an answer. However, this is still worth asking. If the seller is trying to sell quickly because they are moving away, starting a family, or so on, then there’s a good chance that they may be willing to accept a lower selling price.
- “How long has the property been on the market?”
If the property has been on the market for over three months, then this is a good indication that something isn’t right. For instance, other buyers may have noticed issues that you missed or the home could be priced too high. Ask the agent why they think the home has been on the market for so long, and their answer could reveal something that you hadn’t thought of before.
- “Has the home undergone any major renovations or repairs?”
Whether the current owner has added extra bedrooms or completely updated the home’s wiring, you need to know about any big jobs completed on the property. If the jobs required official planning permission, then you should be able to find documentation. If there is no documentation available, then you could find yourself left with the task of dismantling the finished work after buying the home.
- “What’s the lowest price the seller will accept?”
Many buyers do not ask this question out of embarrassment; however, it’s always a good idea to know what the seller expects. The real estate agent will likely not give you a direct answer, but they might indicate a general price range, especially if they have had trouble selling the house.
These are some of the questions that you should ask your real estate agent when viewing a property. Are you looking to buy or sell in the Hermosa Beach area? If so, contact the experts at Brighton Escrow to get the top-tier escrow service you deserve. Serving the Hermosa Beach area, we are ready to make home buying and selling a breeze.
