Questions to Ask a Homeowner Before Buying

Questions to Ask a Homeowner Before Buying

  • Chad Roffers
  • 06/6/19
 
For an aspiring homeowner, purchasing a new home can be such an exciting opportunity. After finding a possible lead, due diligence should be made by asking the homeowner relevant questions that would help clear the air regarding the property on sale. Here are 4 major questions that one should ask the seller.
 

Why the Home Is on Sale

People tend to sell properties for different reasons, some of which include relocating to another area, desire to downgrade or upgrade on the kind of house that one lives in, retirement, and even the need to gain some financial stability. Enquiring on why the property is being put on sale gives the buyer a chance to understand how to negotiate for a fair deal, depending on how desperate the seller is.
 

How Long the Property Has Been Up on Sale

This question allows the buyer to understand the house’s market history. A house that has been on sale for a considerably long duration of time, such as over 3 months, is an indication of a problem with the property, the pricing, or the seller. A property that seems to be fairly priced and yet has existed in the market for a long time should prompt the buyer to exercise further caution by scrutinizing the property’s history to know why no buyer has closed a deal yet.
 

Nature of the Neighborhood

The seller should also seek to know more regarding the kind of neighborhood that the property sits in. Knowing the neighborhood in terms of the particular challenges, nuisances, and common disturbances that affect the area helps the buyer to make an informed decision. For instance, if an area suffers from severe insecurity as a result of burglary, then the buyer would be able to steer clear unless he or she is willing to take the risk.
 

The Structural Profile of the House

The last important thing to look at and inquire about is the structural history and profile of the house. To be thorough, the buyer may have to take a look at the house’s engineering drawings and schematics that describes how the house was constructed. Working with the local construction authorities from where the structural designs were approved helps clear the air on any doubts on the structural integrity of the house.
 
 
 

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