08/18/2022
When buying a house what are important questions to ask?
How old is the roof?
Any house, except one that is brand new, will have some wear and tear. As a roof gets older, the chance of it developing a leak or another problem increases. If you buy a house with an old roof, it may need to be repaired or replaced soon after you move in. Your Real estate agent can help you negotiate a lower price to compensate for an old or damaged roof or get it replaced before you go to closing!
How old are the appliances?
You don't want to be stuck with a hefty appliance repair or system replacement after you complete the sale and move in. When you're searching for a home, if you're considering one that comes with existing appliances, it's important to factor the age of appliances and home systems into your decision making, as older fixtures might be inefficient or beyond repair. Outdated appliances that no longer work can quickly balloon your initial budget, becoming costly to deal with.
What all comes in the sell?
You know you are getting the building itself, but beyond that, its not always clear what's included when you buy a house. This will clarify what the sellers are taking with them. Once you have the answer you will have a better understanding of what you will need to buy after moving into the home and can affect what you're willing to pay for the property.
How much are the utilities going to cost?
Don't forget to ask about heating, cooling, electric and internet cost! (water, sewer, trash, recycling, etc.) You need to know what utilities cost in a typical month before you can decide if the house truly fits your budget.
Is the house suspectable to natural disaster?
Floods may be the most common natural disaster, but they aren't the only weather event to investigate. You also want to ask about the area's propensity for hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and blizzards (not likely in Texas but has happened before!).
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