There are many questions to ask before buying that new home, some are more important or critical then others. Asking questions means fewer surprises after the purchase.
Critical questions are.
1. Does the home need any repairs?
Knowing if anything major is broken before purchasing your new home will help you decide if you want to buy or not. You can also make plans to do the repairs needed, and also get estimates of what it will cost. Some repairs may need to be done before you move in.
2. How is the plumbing? Any leaks? Water pressure? How old is water heater?
If the home you want to buy has a well or septic system, and you will want to know if the septic has been cleaned recently and if any testing has been done on the well. You can usually take a sample to the local health department to have it checked and make sure your drinking water is safe.
3. Furnace, How old? Have they done the proper yearly maintence to keep it running well?
4. Electrical, How old is the wiring? Is it up to code? Breakers or fuses? Make sure you know where the breaker box is located.
5. Roof, How old? Any leaks?
6. Have the previous owners done any additions or major changes? Make sure they pulled permits and had inspections.
7. Is there any associations or community groups that require a yearly fee?
8. Schools, where are they located? Are there buses? If you move to a neighborhood that doesn’t provide bus service, make sure you are up to the commitment of getting your kids to school everyday.
9. Ask what the utilities run a month? Then call the utility company to get an idea of what your monthly cost could be to operate this home. If the house has leaky windows, your heating bills could be high.
10. Check with the Sex offender registry to see if any offenders live close to the new home you are thinking of buying. This is especially important if you have children.
These are only a few questions you need to ask before buying a home. After you find that perfect home set down with this list and think of other questions to add to it. And always remember to get a home inspection prior, to closing on the deal, so you have no hidden problems.
By: Hayi Mansoor