Here’s something I find fascinatng: 90% of diners research a particular restaurant online before dining there. That is more than any other business type, according to a survey by Upserve.com.
It makes sense at first glance. Let it sink in, though, and you’ll begin to wonder why physicians, dentists, hairstylists, plumbers and others aren’t at the top of the list.
By the same token, why isn’t buying a home at the top of the list. After all, it’s the highest price purchase we make in our lives.
Homebuyers are a trusting bunch. And that can lead to remorse after buying a home.
The market is thankfully changing and now you’ll be able to take more time and consideration before buying a home. Write down you list of questions. Then ask your agent to get the answers to these. And, do your own research while you wait for feedback.
When Buying a Home, Make Sure You Ask These Questions:
- How old is the home? This is an easy question for your real estate agent because the year built is stated in the MLS listing.
- How old is the water heater, HVAC system, roof and other systems in the home? For instance, the average life expectancy of a water heater is 10 years. If the one in the home you have your eye on is going on 11 years, you may want to negotiate for a new one or a credit to purchase one.
- Ask about any renovations that have been done to the home. If the work was permitted, ask for copies of the permits. Who did the work? Is the contractor licensed?
- Ask your agent to request a CLUE report from the seller. “The report generally contains up to seven years of personal-auto and personal-property claims history,” according to the Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner. The Fair Credit Reporting Act entitles Americans to a free copy of the CLUE report. Your agent can point the seller to this website on which the report can be ordered.
- Ask your agent to find out what the average utility bills amounted to over the past year. This should include electric, gas, water, trash and sewer.
- You will be given a packet of information from the Homeowners Association if the home is in a managed community. I urge you to read everything. These are sometimes complicated documents but what is in them impacts how you will live in the home. (but a good rule of thumb when buying a home in an association – the rules and regulations are for you to know what you’re getting into. Changing the rules won’t be a consideration).
- Visit the local planning department to determine if there is potential property development planned for the area near the home. For instance, will a Whole Foods market be built on the vacant parcel behind your home?
- Are any of the non-built-in appliances included in the sale? This might include the refrigerator, washer, dryer, etc.
- Contact the local police department to find the answers to your questions about crime in the area. You can also plug in the address of the home at Areavibes.com and get its Livability Score, find crime stats for the neighborhood at SpotCrime.com and do check the National Sex Offender Public Website. (P.S. as a realtor, I am unable to give you this information)
- If schools are important to you, check them out online at SchoolDigger.com, GreatSchools.org and Education Consumers Foundation.
Buying a home is full of first-time experiences. Never be uncomfortable asking questions. We’re talking big finances here so turn over as many leaves as you need. Just know that your realtor is just that. I am not an attorney or CPA, so questions relating to these matters need answers from those professionsals.
One last important tip to consider when buying a home: take a drive by the property late on a weekend evening so you know how it is at the time of day. Don’t take this tip lightly – you don’t want to be surprised AFTER you close escrow.
