Four Questions to Ask Your REALTOR® When Buying a Home
Buying a home is a big decision, and there are a lot of steps involved. It’s important to ask your REALTOR® questions throughout the process to make sure you’re making informed decisions. Here are four questions you should ask your REALTOR® when buying a home:
1. How many clients have you helped to purchase a home?
Your REALTOR® should be an expert in the home buying process. Ask them how many clients they’ve helped to purchase a home. This will give you an idea of their experience and knowledge.
2. How old is the HVAC, water heater, and roof of this home?
It’s easy to be dazzled by the aesthetic features of a home. However, it’s important to pay attention to the nuts and bolts. Ask your REALTOR® about the age of the HVAC, water heater, and roof. These items can be expensive to replace, so it’s important to know their condition.
3. What if the home inspection reveals major issues?
Most of the time, home inspections go as expected. However, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of major issues. Ask your REALTOR® what would happen if the inspection reveals major issues. Would you be able to negotiate with the seller for repairs? Or would you need to walk away from the deal?
4. What happens if the appraisal comes back low?
In competitive markets, it’s possible for the sales price of a home to be higher than its appraised value. This can be a problem because lenders typically won’t lend more than the appraised value of a home. Ask your REALTOR® what would happen if the appraisal comes back low. Would you need to come up with the difference in cash? Or would you need to walk away from the deal?
Your REALTOR® is your best resource throughout the home buying process. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions. They’re there to help you!
Additional Information
Here are a few other questions you may want to ask your REALTOR®:
- What is the average sale price of homes in this area?
- How long have homes been on the market in this area?
- What is the current inventory of homes for sale in this area?
- What are the closing costs associated with buying a home in this area?
- What are the property taxes in this area?
- What are the homeowner’s association fees in this area?
- What are the schools like in this area?
- What are the crime rates in this area?
- What are the amenities in this area?
- What are the transportation options in this area?
By asking your REALTOR® these questions, you can make sure you’re making informed decisions about buying a home.
I hope this blog post is helpful!
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
