| Buying a house can be an intimidating and | | | | the home. If you can see wear and tear on the |
| overwhelming experience. Here are some key | | | | house, it may be a red flag. In such a situation, |
| questions to ask yourself and sellers before | | | | you need to get a home inspection to make sure |
| plopping down a down payment. | | | | there aren't problems in areas you can't see such |
| What To Ask When Looking At Potential Homes | | | | as mold, rust and water leaks. |
| Following is a list of general questions you should | | | | 6. If you have children or are planning on it, you |
| always ask when considering making a real estate | | | | must investigate the school district. Are the |
| purchase. Keep in mind, however, you are unique. | | | | schools good? Are there gangs or crime in the |
| You have particular dislikes and likes as well as | | | | area? |
| factors in your life that are different than other | | | | 7. In addition to the home price, you should ask |
| people. The point I am trying to make is that you | | | | whether there are any additional fees such |
| shouldn't stick to just these questions. You are | | | | association fees. |
| making an important choice, so give some | | | | 8. What are the property taxes and what will |
| thought to your situation. | | | | they be when you buy? Many people are shocked |
| 1. Don't rush into things. The first question to ask | | | | to find out how much they have to kick out in |
| should be directed at yourself. What type of | | | | property taxes. Don't get surprised. |
| home do you want? How big should it be? What | | | | 9. Zoning and easement issues are often |
| amenities do you want? Are you planning for a | | | | overlooked when buying a home. If you are |
| family in the next three to five years and will the | | | | buying in a neighborhood with many homes, |
| home be able to accommodate a new bundle of | | | | zoning is undoubtedly going to be for residential |
| joy? Make a definitive list and stick to it. If you | | | | living. Easements, however, can be nasty |
| stray from it, you could end up with a house that | | | | surprises. Find out if there are any easements on |
| doesn't really fit you and suffer buyer's remorse. | | | | the property. An easement gives a third party |
| 2. The next question is what area do you want to | | | | the right to use of part of the property. This can |
| live in? Pick a few. You may find the prices to be | | | | include giving the neighbor the right to do |
| excessive or the selection not so hot, but make | | | | something or a utility company to place structures |
| sure you exhaust those areas before moving on. | | | | on your prospective property. |
| Again, you want to avoid buyer's remorse. | | | | 10. Noise is another big issue to consider. If you |
| 3. Once you start looking at homes, a key | | | | are serious about the property, make sure to |
| question to ask is how long the house has been | | | | drive buy on weekdays and weekends. If the |
| on the market. The amount of time will give you | | | | property shares a wall with another residence, |
| an idea of how flexible the owner is on price. If | | | | such as a duplex or condo, make sure you view it |
| the house has been on the market for a month, | | | | while the neighbors are home to get an idea of |
| the owner isn't going to be very flexible. If it has | | | | how loud it is. |
| been on the market for six months, flexibility will | | | | 11. In the euphoria of buying a property, practical |
| definitely exist. | | | | issues can be missed. A big one is traffic. |
| 4. Has the house previously been in escrow, but | | | | Specifically, what is the commute like between |
| fell out? If so, find out why? Was it a problem | | | | the house and your place of work? You don't |
| with the buyer getting financing or did the buyer | | | | want to buy the house only to find out it takes |
| find out there was something wrong with the | | | | three hours to get to and from work each day. |
| home? | | | | Obviously, you should be asking many additional |
| 5. What kind of condition is the house in and how | | | | questions before making a purchase. These 11 |
| old is it? Remember that a seller has typically | | | | questions, however, will help you get started. |
| done everything reasonably possible to spruce up | | | | |