Going through the process of buying a home without asking the right questions is like going on a treasure hunt without a map—confusing and risky! Before you get carried away by the charm of a beautiful front porch or an ideal backyard for barbecues, it’s crucial to discuss some key details.
I, Amish Munshi, am here to address all your queries and concerns about purchasing a home. In this blog, I’ll introduce you to some of the most important questions that will help you look beyond the surface and make a truly informed decision.
Why Should You Be Asking Questions?
You might be thinking, ‘Why should I bombard the poor real estate agent with questions?’ But let me tell you this: home searching is not window shopping at the mall. 90% of homeowners today like to search for a home online. But you must rather visit the home for yourself and clear all your doubts. Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions that you will make, and this is the opportunity for you to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
What is the wonderful garden that you initially saw turns into a swamp during monsoon? Or what if the neighbors like to sing songs at night? Scary right? Asking questions assists you in coming to the basics of issues. They expose problems that were otherwise not apparent. This gives further information and helps you to have a better understanding of the home as well as suitability. It’s like the first date, but with a house. You just check how compatible you two are.
What Questions Should I Ask?
To know your surroundings and locality better, you need to ask these questions during the home showing process:
1. What is the neighborhood like?
Knowing about the surroundings where you will be living is essential. Is the environment too loud or silent? Is the locality family-friendly or party-central? There are some neighborhoods that might be the most desirable. However, they are located beside some noisy places like factories, thus making the house undesirable.
2. How old is the roof of the house?
To be perfectly honest, roofs are not the absolute cheapest out there. Knowing about the age of the roof is important if you want to know about its condition. This is especially important when the roof is older than your favorite pair of trousers, as this means that it should be replaced soon.
3. What will I get with the house?
You can fancy that lovely garden house or those shiny stainless vessels you have seen in the movies. However, they should not be taken to mean that these commodities are included in the price of the house. Always make sure to read all the documents carefully before moving in, so that you aren’t heartbroken on the day of moving.
4. Have any major repairs or improvements been made to the building?
Modernization is an enticing term. Enlargements and redecorations may sometimes involve new sophisticated amenities, but at other times, it can mean new problems or do-it-yourself catastrophes. Hence, clearly ask about any kind of improvements made to the building.
5. What is the pressure of the water?
Yeah, I guess it appears to be unnatural to ask, but the dripping of water is not an enjoyable way to start the day. To check the force of the water, you must switch on a tap or two while your house is showing.
6. What is the history of the house?
Asking this question ensures that you have no excuses to hide or any skeletons that can scare you in your new closet. Asking such questions can reveal a lot about the condition of the house in the past.
7. How’s the HVAC system?
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are systems that may not be as popular as the exterior, but they are indispensable in your day-to-day comfort. Just know their age and condition as this should help prevent you from making the wrong choice.
8. Are there any homeowners association fees, or are there any restrictions?
It is worth admitting that some homeowners associations are helpful, while others are rather harmful. You should know the interest rates, the other fees that you will be charged and the rules and regulations of the society.
9. Where are the costs of the utilities?
Request to be provided with the general breakdown of costs for utility expenses. As per a survey, the prices of houses have seen a hike of 5.45% in 2023. Hence, knowing about all the costs will assist you in planning your finances so that you do not meet surprises later on.
10. What is the nature and extent of crime?
Safety first! Having a beautiful home without security is like having a beautiful wife without prosperity; it would not be pleasing to the eyes but not for your life. Hence, please enquire about the safety of the region properly.
11. What’s the parking situation?
Whether you have one car or a whole lot of it, having a good space to park is essential. It is especially an issue in urban areas where the availability of parking slots is a rare occurrence.
12. Is the network and internet connectivity good?
In today’s interconnected world, cell signal connectivity and broadband internet are some of the necessities of life. Just imagine arriving at your new home and discovering that you’re in a black hole for a wireless Internet connection. Scary right?
13. What are the educational facilities nearby?
If you have kids, the quality of school is the primary concern. Not just regarding kids, good schools give property values a lift for everyone.
14. How are the Neighbors?
It might be essential to get a sense of the community nearby. Are they friendly? Is there a big population of children or elderly people? Knowing all this can affect your daily life in several ways.
15. Are there any outstanding litigations?
Most notably those in condo buildings or other properties owned by homeowners’ associations. It is always costly when it comes to an agreement that lacks formal provisions, as you are likely to be faced with unanticipated costs later.
With me by your side, looking out for the perfect household becomes an even easier task. I will be here to answer all your queries and provide you with the assurance about having a perfect home for yourself.
Conclusion
So here are the questions that any future homeowner should consider to avoid any regrets. Remember, the goal isn’t just to find a beautiful house, but a place where you can truly live, create memories, enjoy midnight snacks, and sometimes even dance foolishly.
For personalized assistance in your home search, reach out to Amish Munshi. Let my expertise guide you, ensuring you make informed and confident decisions throughout the process. Contact us to get started on finding your perfect home today.
