You’ve gotten your pre-approval and your agent showed you your dream home. Buying your first home is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. There are many factors to consider before making the plunge into homeownership, and it’s important to ask the right questions to make the best decision. Here are some key questions you should ask your agent before you make that offer.
Questions About Structure
The first question any buyer should ask is about the structure of the property. What kind of foundation does it have? Is it on a concrete slab? What type of roof does it have? Does it need repair or replacement? Are there any other structural issues that could cause problems down the road? Knowing the answers to these questions will give you peace of mind when buying a home.
Questions About Inspections
It is always important to get a thorough inspection done on any house you are considering buying. Make sure you understand what inspections will be conducted and what they will cover, such as roofing, electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems. Ask your Realtor if they can recommend an experienced inspector who knows local building codes and regulations. This information can help protect your investment in the long run.
Questions About Taxes
Taxes can be one of the largest expenses associated with owning a home, so it’s important to understand how much you’ll be paying each year. Ask your Realtor how much real estate taxes are on the property, as well as other taxes that may apply such as personal property taxes or sewer/garbage fees. Understanding these costs upfront will help ensure that you don’t get hit with any unexpected bills later on down the line.
Owning a home can be both exciting and intimidating for first-time buyers, but doing your homework ahead of time will help ensure that everything goes smoothly during closing. Asking questions about structure, inspections, taxes, and more can give you peace of mind knowing that all aspects of your purchase are being considered before signing on the dotted line. Your Realtor should be able to answer all these questions for you and provide additional advice along the way so that everything goes according to plan!
If you’re ready to start shopping for your first home with an experienced agent, my team and I are ready to talk. Send us a message and we’ll get back to you.