It gives you a chance to explore all the pros and cons and what you should change about the house after buying it. An inspection also tells you clearly about the faults in a home that could affect your decision to finalise it.
To get more out of a home inspection and to know important information about the house you want to buy, you need to ask a list of questions that let you proceed with an informed decision.
- Any modifications or renovations?
To know the true value of the property and the kind of renovations you need to make in the future, you have to ask the buyer’s agent whether the property needs renovations. It also gives you an idea of when to renovate the property. Knowing the timeline of work allows you to plan accordingly concerning your budget and work schedule.
Also asking about the previous renovation work will give you an idea about council restrictions and subdivision limitations. All these answers will affect your decision about the property.
- Why are owners selling?
Ask the agent why the owners want to sell the property and how long it’s been in the market. Know how desperate the owners are to sell their house and how open they are to making a satisfying deal. The more information you know about the current owners, the better idea you have of the kind of deals they are ready to offer.
- What sale price are the owners expecting?
Perhaps you might like everything about the house and want to go forward. However, you don’t want to be disappointed when you know the price of the house is not in your budget.
Know beforehand the sale price the owners are expecting so that you can rule out the properties from your potential list. If the price is near to your budget, then you can think about negotiating or about the offers you can make with the owners.
- What are the signs of structural issues?
Buying a house with structural issues will not only leave you disappointed but also put a hole in your pocket for the repair work. Always notice the signs of structural damage like water stains, sagging, cracked ceilings, mould and other issues. These issues will greatly impact the final price of the house if you choose to buy it. It will also tell how much time and money you have to invest in the renovation after the purchase.
- What amenities are nearby?
If you haven’t had the chance to visit the property, you can ask the agent about the amenities that are nearby. Houses that are easily accessible to schools, hospitals, public transport, parks, grocery stores, etc., have high demand and are expensive as well. Knowing the kind of amenities the property provides will affect your final decision.
- Are there similar properties around?
The agent will think you are serious about property buying if you ask whether there are any similar properties in the area. you can get to see more potential properties in the area and a chance of finding your dream home. It also lets you know whether the property’s price is true to the market’s value or not. You can understand all these points once you let your agent know that you are interested in other similar properties.
- When was the house built?
It will let you know the age of the building and how long it has been in the area. In older buildings, you will find the electrical and plumbing system outdated and faulty. You can also find structural issues like mould and infestation if the building is left ignored for a long time. Even though the buyer covered it up with painting, you can know those hidden issues by knowing the age of the building.
Final thoughts
An open inspection is all about honesty and transparency. When you work with the right agent, you will properly answer without hidden meaning. As investing in a house is huge, you have to be thorough with your decision. Asking the above questions will help you take a step in the right direction.
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