Questions Buyers Should Ask During a House Tour

Touring houses is exciting, but it is also easy to get overwhelmed. Falling in love with a house might make you want to rush through the buying process. You might even feel some pressure to make an offer when the housing market is hot. While it is normal to feel this way, you also want to make sure that you know as much as possible about a house before applying for a Phoenix home loan. Asking these questions during virtual and in-person home tours gives you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Questions to Ask During a Home Tour

How Long Has the House Been On the Market?

Right now, houses aren’t lasting long on the current market. If the house was recently listed, then you can expect the sellers to be willing to wait for the right offer. If it has been sitting on the market for a while, then the sellers might be more interested in striking a deal. Figuring out where they are in their home selling journey gives you insight into whether or not negotiating is an option.

When Was the Roof Replaced?

Roof replacements are one of your biggest home maintenance expenses. Roofs typically need to be replaced every 20 years or so. If the house is due for a new roof, then this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker if you are prepared to cover the cost. An old roof might also have water leaks which makes a home inspection even more important.

What Comes With the House?

In most cases, you can expect for the main appliances to stay. Most sellers leave the range, dishwasher and refrigerator, but it is worth making sure. You also may want to ask about the age and general condition of the main appliances that come with the house. Occasionally, a seller might be interested in leaving other items that are hard to move such as an outdoor children’s play set. Knowing what goes and stays helps you make a better decision about making an offer.

Is There an HOA and What Are the Guidelines?

HOAs help to keep neighborhoods looking nice. You’ll want to make sure that you can live with the covenants. For instance, you may want to find out if you are limited to specific paint colors if the exterior of the house needs freshening up. Learning about the fees, and whether or not they cover trash, water and other common expenses, helps you plan for how the house will fit your budget.

How Does the House Compare to the Listing?

You might have fallen in love with the large master bedroom when you viewed the house online, but it might look different in person. Homes are often staged perfectly before pictures are taken for listings. Photography techniques can also cause rooms to look bigger than they really are. Try to look at the house now with an eye for details. Look for wall cracks, watermarks and damaged flooring that you might not see in a photo.

Is There Anything Else I Should Know?

This final open-ended question gives your real estate agent the chance to speak up about the benefits of the house along with any concerns. They might have noticed that a small room could be perfect for a home office. Or, they may know that a new amenity is coming to the neighborhood soon. Giving your realtor the floor lets them share their insight about how the house fits your needs.

When you first step into a house, try to remember that your mission is to find out as much as you can about the property. Write down your list of questions, and remember to take notes. You’ll appreciate being able to refer back to them later as you narrow your options down to the final perfect home.