Questions to ask when buying a home

When shopping for a home it is important to be prepared with everything needed to make an offer and get into a new home. Homebuyers need to make sure they have everything from a down payment to financing and a list of must-haves to a timeline prepared before looking at homes. Once all of this is done, the next thing homebuyers need to do is prepare a list of questions they need to ask the homeowner before considering to make an offer.

What is the property value in today’s market?

Chances are the homeowner might not know the answer to this question, but a real estate agent will. Check to see if the price the home is listed at is equivalent to similar homes on the market today. This will help determine if the homebuyer should offer what is being asked or less than the list price.

Has there ever been a busted pipe or other water damage?

Though broken pipes in a home may be rare, they can occur. Especially if the home is in an area where the pipes can freeze and burst. The concern should be focused on water damage and if the damage has completely been fixed. A home inspector should be able to alert the homebuyer to any issues associated with burst pipes and water damage.

What is the age of the roof?

Knowing how old the roof is will help determine if it needs to be replaced in the near future. This can affect the purchase price because the homebuyer can anticipate having to budget for repairs and replacement of the roof after they move in. Ask if there have ever been any repairs or damage to the roof.

Are there any warranties?

Check with the homeowner to see if there are any active warranties on the home and appliances. This includes new garage doors, appliances, new roof and any recent repair work. Verify that these warranties transfer to the new homeowner.

Those who are shopping for homes for sale San Jose area can seek the assistance of a local real estate agent. He or she can help the homebuyers ask the questions they need answers to. The real estate agent will also have the tools and resources to get the answers when they homeowner might not know how to answer the questions asked.

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