Purchasing your own home is one of the biggest milestones you can achieve in your lifetime. We often have to work hard and strive for success before we are able to become homeowners. That’s why we need to be extra careful when choosing a home for ourselves and our loved ones. A home should be the place where you feel the most comfortable and at peace, which is why finding the perfect match should be a top priority.
Before purchasing your own home, you need to make sure that you’re aware of every single detail about it. Even the smallest flaws could make or break your decision. That being said, don’t be afraid to ask questions once you begin communicating with your real estate agent. We want to help you find your ideal home, so we’ve compiled a list of questions that you should be asking your real estate agent before purchasing a home.
“Would you buy this home?/Would you live here?”
This is very important, so it should be one of the first questions you ask. If your agent says no or shows any signs of hesitation before answering, then the chances are that there is something off about the house. You can tell by the way they answer. If their answers divert the topic to something else or if they don’t answer your question at all, then you should proceed with caution.
“Why is the house being sold?/What is the sales history?”
This could include a number of reasons, but not all of them are bad. Some are genuine reasons, such as requiring more space for their family or moving away because of work. However, it’s still a good question to ask. On the other hand, the sales history of a home also reveals a lot. If records show that the house is being bought and sold at relatively close intervals, then there may be something wrong with it. Sellers and agents are required to disclose any flaws or problems with the home once asked, so this might be the perfect time to do so.
“What contingencies should I get?”
Contingencies come in once a deal has been made between the buyer and the agent, enabling either one of the parties to walk away from the agreement without penalty under certain conditions. This is required when securing a mortgage, a home inspection, and an appraisal. It’s best to communicate with sellers and find a common ground, since having too many contingencies may cause disinterest on the seller’s part.
“Will there be any condo or homeowners’ association assessments?”
Upon purchasing a home, condominium or a place under a homeowner’s association or HOA, you will receive a set of paperwork containing financial documents. They will center around assessments, which are payments made to the HOA for possible repairs and maintenance. This can be hard to understand on your own, especially for first-time buyers. Talking to your agent could help you understand it better, thus helping you plan your budget more efficiently.
Ask Away!
We want to help you find your dream home! If you are looking for a Pennsylvania Real Estate Agent to assist you in searching for your ideal match, then feel free to reach out to us. Our team will make sure that you find a warm and comfortable home that suits your needs!
