Choosing the right home for your family is exciting, but it can be a lot of work. Buying a house is no easy game; it is daunting even if you are not a first-time buyer. Even with a great and experienced real estate agent with exceptional understanding, locating and reviewing homes takes time and energy. As buying a home is typically the single most expensive purchase you will ever make, we recommend you be careful and extra conscious. For the same reason, we advise you to prepare a list of possible questions that you may ask when looking for a property. These questions will help you understand more about the property in detail and will equip you to make informed decisions-

What is the area like?

You may check what the area is all about, what the crime rate is, what nearby hospitals are, and more. Make sure you do independent research and learn more about the area and if it fulfils your requirements.

How old is the roof?

Trust us, replacing the roof is a significant expense and one that people who are expecting to move might just put off. A new roof can cost a lot, so find out if that is really needed. Therefore, a roof in need of repair could be a potential cause of problems, and you may need to negotiate with the seller to replace it before you move in.

How old is the heating and cooling system?

An old heating or cooling system can cost a considerable amount of replacement. Even a new furnace or a pump can be loud or can lack energy. So be sure to learn more about the home heating and cooling system or whether they would receive immediate attention.

Are there any easements?

An easement is basically a legal right of a neighbour to access your property. It can happen if there is a shared driveway. For example, it may start on your land and branches off to other houses. So, if you have any plans for the yard, it is essential to learn if there is anything you can’t change. 

For how long have owners lived there?

If the owners are moving after a short duration, it is an unimportant aspect to consider. Though the owner might be moving due to a bigger property, there could be other reasons, too. A quick move can be a sure sign of issues, so always ask them or inquire from neighbours about the reasons for the move.

Has major renovations been done recently?

Make sure to find out about the work that has been recently undertaken at the property and ask owners to see the evidence or receipts. Ensure you can see planning for any of the recent work because if proper permission was not obtained for an extension then you might have to tear it down.

What is the water pressure like?

It is essential to check water pressure and plumbing. It may look trivial, but just imagine waking up one morning in your home to discover the shower has been damaged. Check showers and taps yourself, as these things may not make but can break your decision.

What is included in the sale?

It is always advisable to check what all is included in the sales. For the same, check if the garden sheds or the greenhouse is included? Or if the fixtures and fittings are part of it? You should know very clearly what you are getting for your money.

Final Check

Another to consider is whether the property is leasehold or freehold. Though the listing will display it clearly, it is still essential to cross-check. If the property is leasehold, for how long is it left on the lease? This is because the short lease reduces the overall value of the property, so you will need to extend it when you come to resell. Will it be possible to buy a freehold or share of it? How much would be the service charge? Will there be any issues with the management company?

With this, we conclude a list of possible questions you may ask before viewing a property. Your real estate agent can also suggest additional questions based on your requirements for the home. You may also jot down answers for each property and keep a document to compare each home you are taking into consideration. Getting answers in advance and knowing what to expect can help you with the homebuying process.

Finally, speaking to an expert or an adviser in the real estate field could help you find the right property for you. At Hafsons, we can help you find the best property and related services as per your requirements. Visit our website and get in touch with our experts to learn how they can assist you.