When you are thinking about buying a house, what questions should you ask the Realtor? Here are the three most important issues you should have questions about: the offering price, the condition of the home and the location of the home.
Questions about the offering price
Find out what the seller paid for the house. This is to find out if the value of the home has gone up since the seller bought the South Florida home. Too, if the house was foreclosed on, it may take up to 90 days to get financing. Also ask how much the seller owes. If the seller owes more than what they’re asking for, this may be a short sale. You need to find out from the realtor also what homes that are similar to the one you’re looking at have sold for in the neighborhood. This is important because the appraisal will compare this house to the houses that have already sold. Find out how long the house has been sitting on the market. If it’s been on the market for longer than 60 days, you may want to ask for a discount.
The condition of the house
You want to know about the condition of the house. Find out how old the roof is. A roof can last fifteen to fifty years depending on the quality of the materials used. Find out about the house foundation. If it’s a raised foundation, this allows for plumbing and electrical access. If it’s built on a slab then there will be access elsewhere. What type of insulation does the house have? If the house is in a wintery part of the country with the cold and the snow, it’s important for the insulation to be up to standard. If the house is in South Florida, you’ll want to see if the air conditioning works. How old are the appliances? If they’re too old, you’ll have trouble finding parts. Some houses don’t even come with appliances, so find out your new home will. Is the wiring and plumbing up to code? If it isn’t, you’ll be doing some repairs.
Where the house is located
The house you’re looking at may be your dream home and have everything you’ve ever wanted, but what about location? You need to check out the neighborhood and everything around it. Are there noisy bars close which might bother you? Does the neighbor next door have 5 barking dogs? Is the quiet house on the corner during the day that house which turns into a college frat at night? Visit the house you’re looking at during different times of the day to see how the neighborhood changes. Too know if you’re going to be in a pesky home association and any relevant environmental regulations which might affect your home’s use.
In the end, if you’re satisfied, then put your down payment down. Your perfect dream home is just around the corner in South Florida.