What are those burning questions every homebuyer should ask of the Seller before they even think of buying that perfect home? To quote Elmer Fudd, "Be very, very careful." You are about to invest your money, heart and soul into one of the most important purchases you may ever make, so know the rules and ask these tough questions:
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Always get a Seller's Disclosure form. The Seller is obligated to fill out this rather lenghty and detailed form that specifically tells you of any known issues, defects, or related flaws that you may not be aware of. Read this carefully.
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What are the zoning guidelines for the home/area? If you are thinking of adding on a second story or erecting a fancy greenhouse in that lovely backyard, be sure you investigate the zoning rules on what you can and cannot do.
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Pay for the home inspection. I see so many buyers hesitate when we have this conversation. A home inpsection is going to tell you what is right and what is wrong with the home, and trust me, there will be things wrong. Is it worth paying $300-$400 to find out the slab is cracked or that the wiring is so bad it could catch on fire at any time? You bet it is. Do it. If something really bad comes up, you can walk away from the deal and all you are out is the cost of the inspection.
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Ask why the house is for sale. Sounds innocent enough, but the response may just influence how you decide to write your offer on the home. Are the Sellers under the gun to move quickly? This little tidbit of knowledge can save you thousands.
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Has the property been tested for Radon? This will typically come out in the natural hazards disclosure report, but it never hurts to ask it up front. I mean, do you want to move into your new home and go to bed at night while being irradiated? Didn't think so.
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Are smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors properly installed? In California, this is a specific requirement on the purchase agreement, but you want to ensure that the Seller has done it.
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Has the home ever had a mold inspection? If you watch any of the popular Home Buying shows on TV, you will have seen what this smelly little issue may cost you if you don't discover it before you close the deal. Most homes will not have had this inspection unless there was a prior issue, and it may come out in the home inspection you pay for. If they answer yes, then make sure you see the report and are confident that the issue was remediated.
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What is the neighborhood crime rate? If you live in the area you may already know this one, but if you are relocating, it is definitely something you want to know. Most Realtors can supply you with that information as well as many other significant demographics like schools, income levels, stability of home values, etc...
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What about neighborhood noise? Is there a barking dog next door that goes off at 2am like clockwork? Is there a highway nearby that drowns out your conversation when you are on the patio? And what are the neighbors like? A crabby next door neighbor can make life in your new home incredibly unpleasant.
- Are there many kids or dogs in the neighborhood? This may or may not be important to you, so be sure to drive the neighborhood early in the morning and when school normally lets out. Also, drive it on the weekend to see what people are doing. It will give you a good sense of what your life will be like once you move in.
As always, having a professional Realtor at your side will greatly enhance your ability to answer these 10 questions when buying a home, negotiate a great deal, and close on time. For more information on what to ask when buying a home, you can contact me at clark@clarkransom.com or call me at 619.672.9362. Be sure to visit our website at www.clarkransom.com for more home buying and selling tips.
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