When you’re considering purchasing a new home, it’s important to conduct a thorough walk-through of the property before making a decision. During this walk-through, there are several key questions you should ask to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the condition of the home and any potential issues that may arise.
After your initial walkthrough, you may decide to put in an offer on the house. That’s when you can get a home inspector to go through the home in great detail. But, before you get to that point, you’ll want to ask these questions to make sure the home you’re viewing is worth your time and money.
1. What is the age of the home?
Knowing the age of the home can give you an idea of when certain systems and components may need to be updated or replaced. You’ll also want to get a list of any possible renovations the home has gone through since it has been built.
2. Has the home been well-maintained?
Look for signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint or cracked tiles, which can indicate that the home has not been well-maintained. These seemingly superficial issues can be indicative of larger issues that can’t be seen by the naked eye.
3. Are there any signs of water damage?
Water damage can lead to mold and structural issues, so it’s important to check for any signs of moisture or water damage in the basement, attic, and around windows and doors. Water damage is also incredibly expensive to fix. So, make sure the home you’re looking at doesn’t have any hidden water damage.
4. What is the condition of the roof?
The roof is one of the most important components of a home, and it’s important to check for any signs of wear or damage. You also need to know the age of the roof. If you choose to purchase the house, home insurance may be difficult to find for homes that have older or damaged roofs.
5. What type of heating and cooling systems are in place?
Knowing the type of systems in place can help you understand the home’s energy efficiency and any potential costs associated with maintaining them. Older air conditioning systems and furnaces may need to be replaced. Knowing the age of these units will help you gauge any possible investments you might need to make in the home after closing.
6. Are there any signs of pests or termites?
Pest infestations can cause serious damage to a home, so it’s important to look for any signs of pests, such as droppings or holes in the walls. Some homes are built with concrete, while others have wood frames. Homes with wood frames are more likely to encounter termites.
While you’re walking through the home, keep an eye out for any possible signs of pests. If you get to the home inspection stage of the buying process, make sure to request a detailed inspection of any possible pest problems in the home.
7. How Long Has The Home Been On The Market?
If a home has been on the market for an extended period of time, it could be indicative of some issues with the property. A house that has been on the market for a while can also give you an upper hand in the negotiation stage.
8. Why Are The Owners Moving?
Understanding why the owners are selling the house can give you some insight into any possible issues with the property, and possible negotiation opportunities. They could be moving into a bigger or smaller home. They could be moving for a job and need to sell fast.
Try to see if the owner is moving for any possible negative reasons. They could be leaving due to a spike in crime in the area. To check this, use websites like MyLocalCrime.com to lookup any possible criminal activity near the house.
By asking these important questions during your walk-through, you can gain a better understanding of the condition of the home and any potential issues that may arise. This knowledge can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the property.
Home inspectors and a great real estate agent will help guide you through this process so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything.
