Questions to Ask when Buying a House

This article outlines the 11 questions to ask when buying a house. Each reason is listed in turn and then discussed. The specific reasons why that we focus on in this article are: has the house been damaged by fire or flood, is there a home owners fee, has the home had any remodeling done, has the home been vacant or tenant occupied, has there been any crimes in the neighborhood, what condition is the roof in, is there rear access, have you ever had any termites, what kind of windows are there, are the appliances energy efficient, and is the home gas or electric.

Here I have listed some of the main questions to ask when buying a house. These questions are not in any specific order. They are just good questions to ask when buying a house. Let’s look at each in turn and see what benefits are associated with each reason:

Reason #1: Has the house been damaged by fire or flood?

Benefits: The reason for this question is just like a car that has been involved in some type of major accident, a home can suffer the same thing. The home may not have been returned and repaired back to the original standards. This type of poor quality repair my not be noticeable to the average person.  This is why it is a good idea to ask the question. Don’t forget to make sure that you ask this about any other structures that are not attached to the home, detached garage, pool, etc.

Reason #2: Is there a home owners fee

Benefits: Local boards, homeowner’s associations and assessment districts can have extensive powers to collect dues, charge fees, set fines and otherwise dictate or limit how owners can use or modify their property. Some entities can even levy taxes in some states. Find out who’s in charge and what the rules are before you buy a home that’s governed by a quasi-private board or association.

Reason #3: Has the home had any remodeling done

Benefits: While many older homes may have been attractively remodeled, un-permitted modifications or additions might not comply with local building codes. Some authorities can force homeowners to bring improvements up to code or even dismantle those that were made without the proper permits. If the home was remodeled with permits, ask for copies of the permits and any inspection reports or approvals.

Reason #4: Has the home been vacant or tenant occupied

Benefits: If the home has been vacant or if tenants or renters have lived it it recently, this could be an indication of a not well maintained piece of property.  Most of the time repairs may and can be of lower quality.  This is a good question to be asking.

Reason #5: Has there been any crimes in the neighborhood

Benefits: There are really very few area’s that are completely crime free. But now there are some neighborhoods that have a tremendous amount of crime. This would be a major concern. If there is car jackings in the neighborhood, you may not want to convert that garage. Trespassers is another problem when the kids are outside.  This is just a couple of examples.

Reason #6: What condition is the roof in

Benefits: Roof repair can become a major expense. Knowing that the roof has been recently replaced and is under a warranty can save a lot of money. A home inspection will let you know the condition of the roof and if repairs are needed before closing.

Reason #7: Is there rear access

Benefits: Many homes being built today don’t have rear access. This would be for campers, boats, etc.  There is also some neighborhoods that don’t allow these items in the front yard, side yard or in the street.  If you don’t have rear access and you have these items you are going to need to store them away at a separate place and the will cost you extra money.

Reason #8: Have you ever had any termites

Benefits: These pest can destroy a home in quick order. If termites have been present in the past, then a continuing program to make sure they don’t return is a must. Also a termite warranty and termite inspection are a must prior to closing.

Reason #9: What kind of windows are there

Benefits: Do you have energy efficient windows. Are the windows double-pane, single-pane. With single-pane windows you are going to be wasting a lot of your energy right outside in the winter and summer. This will cost extra money. Knowing this in advance, give you piece of mind and also lets you know of a future expense to upgrade the windows down the road.

Reason #10: Are the appliances energy efficient

Benefits: Here is another cost saving item. Old appliances waste a lot of energy when compared to the newer equipment. It is your choice on what to do if the home has old appliances.

Reason #11: Is the home gas or electric

Benefits: Gas or electric. With the price of gas (propane) on the rise, your energy cost could go up. But at the same time gas is cheaper than electric in most parts of the country. I would want the home to be gas if it were my new house.

This article has provided an overview of the 11 questions to ask when buying a house. For each reason an associated list of benefits has been provided. If you are looking for tips and you need to sell your house, then just click.