Essential Questions To Ask When Exploring An Open House

Going to open houses is a smart thing to do when you are seeking a new home. It allows you to assess what local properties have to offer without any pressure to commit to buy. When you come up with prepared questions before visiting each open house, you can really make the most out of the visit by learning specific details that may make or break your interest in a property. Consider these essential questions.

What Are Issues That May Come Along with the House?

Nearly every house will have its issues. That's just the nature of wear and tear on homes as time marches on. Legal obligations require a seller to disclose code violations or structural problems in a house. In fact, you could even ask for a written version of this disclosure from the seller. However, a real estate agent or seller may elaborate more in person. It doesn't hurt to ask. After all, a resistance to talking about this issue can be a red flag, so you can learn a lot from asking it.

Why Is the Property for Sale?

This is a fair question, although it may unnerve the seller or real estate agent a little at first. Although it may seem intrusive, the answer to this question can reveal things that may cause you to back off from a property or long to find out even more about it. Some sellers may try to put a spin on the reason that a property is for sale, but some will level with you. Sometimes a house is for sale simply because the lives of the home owners have changed, and it may be available at a price that's lower than a typical asking price if the owners are in a hurry to move.

What Can You Tell Me About the Neighbors?

While many people just ask details directly about the house, a very important part of the experience of owning a home is the lifestyle you're creating within it. Neighbors can add something great to your life, or they can make life more difficult. You cannot control who moves into a neighborhood, but you can control whether you buy a home around neighbors who are troublemakers. Also, finding out about the ages, families, and lifestyles of neighbors can help you identify a place where you and your family are likely to fit in.

Finally, keep in mind that, when you see a house up close and personal, you may be inspired to pose additional questions to the sellers or real estate agent. Go with what you feel is best in the moment. Whatever you do, don't shy away from asking the things that can help you decide whether a home is the right fit for your wants and needs.