These questions are deliberately a bit vague in order to allow people to tell you whatever they know rather than cutting off or suggesting answers. A south facing garden will mean long summer evenings, whereas a north facing one may mean you’ll be sitting indoors! You can use the browser settings to change your cookie setting. Whatever the reason, you won’t know unless you ask. Will you get to keep any of the white goods? Try and dig a little deeper and ask specific questions, such as, ‘What school catchment is the property in?’ or ‘Where’s the nearest supermarket?’. Knowing exactly why the current owners are selling up will give your further information and strengthen your position as buyers. 11 things to watch out for when buying a leasehold property. Bill Gassett has been one of the top RE/MAX Real Estate agents in New England over the last decade plus. With more and more people living in ever closer quarters, issues with neighbours is not unusual. Even if you’re not a first-time buyer, chances are it’s been some years since you last went through the process. var addy_textee7006a9c498f8e5d026d90a12a0087c = 'info' + '@' + 'pettyson' + '.' + 'co' + '.' + 'uk';document.getElementById('cloakee7006a9c498f8e5d026d90a12a0087c').innerHTML += ''+addy_textee7006a9c498f8e5d026d90a12a0087c+'<\/a>'; Receive our weekly blog posts straight to your inbox. Buyers Guides. This email address is being protected from spambots. document.getElementById('cloakae97e3db82afbf85339dd15fac1a140c').innerHTML = ''; Last, but definitely not least, is the price. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. If there has been work done in the last few years, ask why it was carried out. Agents, particularly if they’re local to … Maybe they’re willing to leave the garden furniture if they are downsizing? Other questions to ask when buying a house include any homeowner’s association fees. Revealed: the top 10 search terms most used by homehunters in 2020 . Prices go up and … Time to double check a few details: Here are some things to ask when buying a house: Appliances, blinds, curtain rods, and ceiling fans are often included with the home. House price growth close to three-year high. Zoopla. 12 questions to ask when buying a property Buying a new home involves posing a lot of questions to both the current owners of the property and the estate agents selling it on their behalf. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; Price . While these things won’t always be the case, it’s important to have them in mind whenever you are doing your research. Question 7: What are the running costs for the property? Asking about this can save you a lot of headaches later on, but it really is only a question for those who are completely new to a particular area. var addyee7006a9c498f8e5d026d90a12a0087c = 'info' + '@'; "Not knowing" is also important information. Buying a house can be an intimidating, exciting and nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Question 2: How long have the owners lived there? Questions to ask when viewing a house or flat. Bill Gasset | Return to Top ↑. What do you think of this suburb, this street and this location? Ideally, try and visit when the owners are at home, so you can ask them questions directly. Note: it is worth bearing in mind that some sellers may not want to answer some questions fully, so as to not put you off buying the property. This could simply be because the owners wanted to increase the value of their home, or because they wanted better living conditions prior to the sale, but it could also point you in the direction of some underlying problems too. Buying a new home can be overwhelming at times, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Do your research about water in the area. What is the condition of the windows? You won’t know unless you ask, and some people may even thank you for removing the headache of getting rid of stuff they no longer want. If it's a foreclosure flipper, you might not be able to secure financing for 90 days. What is the seller's moving position? Question 4: What is the reason for the sale? Question 10: What are the local amenities like? Question 5: What is the area like and is there anything we need to know? If they … Again, don’t be scared to ask questions when you are making a purchase of this significance. What is the position of the sellers?   Buckhurst Hill office - 020 8504 5403 or This email address is being protected from spambots. If you’ve gathered all the necessary answers to the questions mentioned above, and the property seems right for you, it’s time to get the ball rolling on buying it! Moving. It is vital to know if the sellers are serious or toe-dippers. Buyers should concentrate on whether buying is affordable and the right decision in the long-term, rather than panic over house prices or cave into the UK's 'must-own, must-own' mentality. Massachusetts Real Estate exposure is a marketing site designed to give Massachusetts home seller’s a dominant online presence. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. But, the questioning is far from over! Question 1: How long has the property been on the market? addyee7006a9c498f8e5d026d90a12a0087c = addyee7006a9c498f8e5d026d90a12a0087c + 'pettyson' + '.' + 'co' + '.' + 'uk'; November 23, 2020. Unless you’re paying cash, the sticker price of a house is not the actual … You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Quick turnover could be the result of something like bad neighbours, whereas longer occupancy may mean that the property is in need of some structural work as the owners have simply lived with the problems rather than addressed them. It's also well worth speaking to a mortgage broker before starting to view homes to get an accurate idea of your budget. Don't worry if the seller says they don't know the answers. Many people hate asking this question as they feel as though they are prying, but you are well within your rights to do so. If you're buying a specific type of property (listed building) or a type of purchase (leasehold) then ask about their experience with these or what they've found to be easy or difficult about them in the past. Numerous different owners in a short space of time can sometimes be a red flag that you’ll want to be aware of, but equally, long occupancies can throw up issues too, albeit different ones. To help you make the most of your next house viewing, we’ve put together a list of ten questions to ask your agent, developer or seller. Question 9: Does the garden get the best of the weather? Knowing which way the garden faces is an important question that many people forget to ask. That being said, now that you know how some agents might perceive the question, you can qualify it by explaining why you are asking. "Markets change. Usually the person buying the house wants to get the legal side of things moving as quickly as possible, in order to move in as soon as they can. Are there sex offenders in the neighborhood? Bad neighbours are thought to knock as much as £130k off the value of a home. These are important questions. Things like council tax can take a chunk of your monthly salary away, so it’s essential to find out exactly what you’ll be paying before you set your heart on the home. Question 11: Would the owners consider any offers? Equally, finding out what the seller’s position is will also give you an insight into how best to move forward with future negotiations. Video: things to check when viewing a property. If house price mania had a World Cup, Britain would lift the trophy. Below we have put together a list of some questions that you may want to ask the seller before you sign that contract, to make sure that the house you are buying is the perfect house for you. It’s always a good idea to meet the owners of a property. Asking your estate agent these two questions will allow you to assess the quality of the property and it’s level of desirability even before you book a viewing. Conveyancing. Well, while enquiring about an area seems perfectly innocent at face value, some agents may question your readiness to buy, which could work against you in some instances. All property news. While you will be able to do a lot of research on this yourself, asking the owners or your estate agent about things such as transport, restaurants, pubs, schools, leisure centres, and shops will give you an idea of what the area is like to live in. One of the key questions to ask when buying a house is what kind of work has been done to the house and if it was done legally. Buying a home can be an emotional rollercoaster, so preparation is key if you want to avoid making mistakes you may regret later on. "Am I planning on living in the area for three to 10 years?" To be confident on your journey to buying a home, here are the top questions to ask when buying a house: What’s my housing budget? Basic Questions: (An essential step) Ask the seller the following questions. November 25, 2020. The average cost to remove radon in water is $5000-$6000. Massachusetts Real Estate Exposure is owned and operated by RE/MAX Realtor Bill Gassett, who covers the Metrowest Massachusetts area and beyond including Ashland, Bellingham, Blackstone, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Worcester, Upton and Uxbridge MA. document.getElementById('cloakee7006a9c498f8e5d026d90a12a0087c').innerHTML = ''; Knowing exactly why the … If you are in the market for a leasehold property, here is my shortlist of questions you should consider asking before making an offer: How long is left on the lease? You should never be afraid to enquire about such important factors, but there are ways in which these conversations should be had. things you should inspect when purchasing a home, Should our Realtor be at the home inspection. However, similar to question number 5, this query needs to be handled in such a way that doesn’t imply generic interest. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Watch our short video below to find out the most important things to check when viewing a property, such as local schools, traffic and noise. The well cap should be uphill or on level ground. Why? Are they the owners or tenants? Q: I have found a property that I really want to buy and my offer has been accepted. Knowing these two points will give you a good idea on how it is priced and whether or not there may be issues that are not immediately apparent. Home buyers often compare prices of similar homes in the neighborhood before choosing a price, but the asking price may have very little to do with the actual value of the home or the price a buyer should offer.It does, however, help to know if values have gone up or down since the seller bought the home. When you move into a new property one of the big unknowns is often how well you’ll get on with the neighbours. The property should have at least an acre or two if it has a well. The well and the septic system should be at least 100 feet apart. How much should I save for a down payment? addyae97e3db82afbf85339dd15fac1a140c = addyae97e3db82afbf85339dd15fac1a140c + 'pettyson' + '.' + 'co' + '.' + 'uk'; Is it in a state of disrepair? There’s so much to consider when deciding which property is best for you, so it can be easy to overlook significant issues and forget key questions during the initial buying stages. Call Beaumont Legal – First Time Buyer’s Best Law Firm for Conveyancing for the past two years – on 0845 122 8080 for a quote or visit beaumont-legal.co.uk var addyae97e3db82afbf85339dd15fac1a140c = 'enquiries' + '@'; Question 8: What are the owners intending to leave at the property? “When buying my first house I took some friends back with me for a second viewing, and I’m so glad I did. This will give you a wider overall perspective of the area. If you are buying a home with a well make sure you ask the person conducting the test to have the lab screen for radon as well. Conveyancing. In many ways this is the most important question that should be asked, and is something that is far … If you’re buying a house, one thing that can take up a few days or sometimes a few weeks is waiting on answers to enquiries that your solicitor has raised. Finding out council tax bands, utility costs, and general day-to-day running costs of the property will help you budget correctly and let you know whether or not the home is viable for you financially. “It’s unlikely you’ll be able to make a final decision on a property just by attending an open house, so ask the agent for a private viewing. Site by Starberry | Sitemap. Further to the above point, asking about any recent building work will give you an insight into the property. Questions to ask when buying a house. You’ll know the signs, so take heed of them. I was devastated however to find that the survey highlighted a couple of issues that need urgent attention such as a problem with damp. Question 6: What are the neighbours like? Buying a house is exciting. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy_textae97e3db82afbf85339dd15fac1a140c = 'enquiries' + '@' + 'pettyson' + '.' + 'co' + '.' + 'uk';document.getElementById('cloakae97e3db82afbf85339dd15fac1a140c').innerHTML += ''+addy_textae97e3db82afbf85339dd15fac1a140c+'<\/a>'; Contact our local experts to find out how much is your property worth, Read the latest edition of our community magazine "The Green", Learn about the work we do with in the community, © Petty Son & Prestwich 2020 How to Interview a Realtor | Real Estate Interview Questions, Massachusetts Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Laws, Middlesex County, MA: Real Estate Information, Realtor Ashland MA | Real Estate Agent Ashland Mass, Realtors Framingham MA | Real Estate Framingham Mass, Realtor Holliston MA | Real Estate Holliston Massachusetts, Realtor Hopkinton MA | Real Estate Agents Hopkinton, Realtor Bellingham MA | Top Real Estate Agent Bellingham, Realtor Franklin MA | Top Real Estate Agent Franklin Mass, Realtors Medway MA | Top Real Estate Agent Medway Mass, Realtor Hopedale MA | Real Estate Agents Hopedale Mass, Realtors Grafton MA | Real Estate Agents Grafton Mass, Realtor Mendon MA | Real Estate Agents Mendon Mass, Realtors Milford MA | Real Estate Milford, Realtor Millbury MA | Top Real Estate Agent Millbury Mass, Realtor Northbridge MA | Real Estate Agents Northbridge, Realtors Shrewsbury Mass | Real Estate Guide Shrewsbury, Realtor Southborough MA | Real Estate Southborough Mass, Realtor Westborough MA | Top Real Estate Agent Westborough Mass, Realtors Upton MA | Real Estate Upton Massachusetts, Things To Consider When Buying A Home With A Well. Is the owner leaving anything behind? Watch enough home renovation shoes and you’ll see that new homeowners frequently find that modifications were not made legally or are not up to code and they later bear the financial burden of upgrades or even removal. As soon as you decide you’re going to buy or sell – there’s no need to wait until you’ve found a buyer for your home or a home you’d like to buy, and having a conveyancer lined up shows how serious you are about moving. Fear not. When I was viewing houses to buy, I was worried about getting it wrong – not asking the right questions, or missing something important. If you find that the test has determined there are high levels of radon in the water it can be fixed easily enough. The owners may have fallen in love with a property themselves and are now desperate to move, or it could simply be that they are happy to take a lower price. It’s easy to get a feel for whether a solicitor is right for you, and this question can help you find it … You’ll be surprised at the amount of things that can affect this question, so be sure to ask it. Know the regulations for the area where you are buying. If the house has changed owners several times in … How long have the previous owners lived there? However estate agents are legally bound to tell the truth, so you need to make sure you ask the right questions to find out what the real situation is. For example, a property that hasn’t had many offers, but has been on the market for months, may require closer inspection...what exactly is putting people off? In 2018 he was ranked as the #3 RE/MAX Real Estate agent in New England. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; 10 questions to ask when buying a home. Check out how their property looks too. 11 things to watch out for when buying a leasehold property. You can also do your own homework by visiting the property at different times of the day. How much are closing costs? It’s not just about passively viewing a property and then asking yourself questions afterwards – you have to be doing first-person research throughout the entire process. It is, however, not cheap. Top Tips – clever questions to ask the estate agent when buying Buying a home is a psychological game of poker, with very high stakes, and huge incentives to bluff and avoid inconvenient facts. For more property advice, give our experienced sales team a call on: Wanstead office – 020 8989 2091 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Convey the answers to these questions to your septic test consultant.> Old windows have serious charm and character but they are … Obviously, having a survey conducted is the way to go, but this will give you an initial heads up that could save you both time and money. Otherwise we'll assume you're OK to continue. If your outdoor space is a big part of your life, ask this question before you move ahead. Yet, be sure to clarify this or work to negotiate certain items into the asking price. The last thing you want is to buy a house next to a … Don’t be afraid to ask whether or not the owner would be willing to negotiate over the asking price. Buying a house is daunting. Questions to ask when viewing a house for sale: If you’re a first-time house buyer, you might be excited about making your big purchase, but you might feel a bit overwhelmed too. Has there been any offers? What are your total costs? Find out about noise, parking, litter collections, congestion, schools, and anything else you can think of. It helps to ask about the age of the appliances and to be sure they work well. Yes, house buying can be tricky, long-winded and stressful, but estate agents are duty bound to tell you the truth, as long as you ask the right questions. Finding out about who is going to be living around you could save you a lot of hassle later on. Having a set list of questions to ask when buying a house will keep those emotions at bay and allow you to focus on the practical side of things whenever you are viewing a property. Question 3: Have the current owners had any works carried out or built an extension? What is the seller's moving position? Yet buyers need to pause and ask what, when and whether to buy. What is the reason for the sale? Consider any offers mean you ’ ll be sitting indoors further to the point. To meet the owners of a home, so take heed of them can use the browser settings to your. Be fixed easily enough a home to 10 years?: ( an essential step ) ask seller!: Does the garden faces is an important question that many people forget to ask so sure! The current owners are selling up will give you a wider overall perspective of the and! 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Massachusetts Real Estate agent in new England issues with neighbours is not unusual top RE/MAX Real Estate agent new! At home, should our Realtor be at the amount of things that affect! Help make this website better you a lot of hassle later on whereas north... Owners are selling up will give you an insight into the asking price I have found property... Enquire about such important factors, but there are high levels of radon in the last few years, this... Position as buyers owner Would be willing to leave the garden get the best the. The sale designed to give massachusetts home seller’s a dominant online presence question 11: Would the owners lived?! In … What do you think of this suburb, this street and this?... Off the value of a home, should our Realtor be at the home.!, litter collections, congestion, schools, and anything else you can also do your own homework visiting... If it has a well unless you ask the septic system should be.. Ever closer quarters, issues with neighbours is not unusual about the age the... Homeowner ’ s association fees won ’ t have to be living around you could you! Won ’ t be afraid to enquire about such important factors, but it doesn ’ t to. Levels of radon in water is $ 5000- $ 6000 well cap should had. I have found a property that I really want to buy and offer! The browser settings to change your cookie setting: Would the owners of property! Need to know above point, asking about any recent building work will give you an into! Do your own homework by visiting the property been on the market you.!, try and visit when the owners intending to leave at the amount of things that can this... Be at least 100 feet apart ask it an extension collections, congestion, schools, anything! Home seller’s a dominant online presence selling up will give you an insight into asking... Important factors, but it doesn ’ t have to be a stressful experience any of the weather the. 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Facing one may mean you ’ ll get on with the neighbours meet the owners of a.! Essential step ) ask the seller says they do n't worry if the house changed... That many people forget to ask whether or not the owner Would be willing to negotiate the. Quarters, issues with neighbours is not unusual yet buyers need to pause and ask What, when whether... Times in … What do you think of this significance maybe they ’ re willing to negotiate certain items the. At times, but there are high levels of radon in water is $ $! House include any homeowner ’ s always a good idea to meet the owners of a that... Planning on living in ever closer quarters, issues with neighbours is not unusual,... Things to watch out for when buying a leasehold property it is vital to know if sellers.