Let the house do the talking when you get the inspection regarding about the house. I’d ask about schools, the neighborhood, crime rate, have they been robbed etc…

You would want to ask when the plumbing, wiring and roof were updated.

I agree with the other person who replied, before you purchase the house, I don’t really think asking them questions will necessarily get you the answers you need!

But, after you’ve decided on a house, here are a few questions that I wish I’d have asked!

- Do they know the colors of the paints that were used in the house (if you don’t plan to repaint entirely, yet) and do they maybe have any leftover for touchups?

- How old are the major appliances and furnace or AC? (It helps to plan for replacement)

- Where are the fuse box, main water and gas shutoff valves?

- If there are in-ground sprinklers, where are they?

- Any helpful tips for landscaping—plants that need to be trimmed, places where perennials might come up that you might think are weeds?

Good luck!

Ask if you would be able to get the warranties and instructions for all the appliances, the roof & hot water tank. It’s not something not to buy the house over, but these are things most people don’t think to leave the new owner.

Also ask to see copies of the property tax bill and the utility bills and ask about how many people have been living in the home, so that you will know what monthly expenses to budget for.

Ask how long the previous owners lived there, if not long then ask why and judge for yourself if the answer is sincere. If they’ve lived there a long time, especially if there have been upgrades, then ask if the owner would be willing to give you a tour after everythings official, and explain any upgrades and annual maintenance he’s been doing. If you plan to maintain a garden, it might also be useful to know what’s planted and when it will bloom.

I would go to the neighbors and ask them what they know about the house. I bought my first home last year and not until after we moved in did the neighbors start telling us horror stories about how the house was rented and abused.

Definitley ask neighbors about anything they may know about repairs on the house, roof or plumbing issues. You’d be surprised how much other homeowners talk to eachother.
Ask about pests like rodents and termites! We were not told about an issue with BATS! And were horrified when we moved in.

How long have they lived there, why are they moving and where are they moving to.

Another reason to go to the neighbours is to find out what the neighbours are like BEFORE you move in. We had some real characters. I would have kept looking had I known.

We had some people who shot up our property with pellet guns, used drugs, including having one suicide, one questionable overdose, and a lot of male teenage behaviour that left me wondering if my own kids were safe.

Some other neighbours bred feral cats and kept scrofulous dogs. They also had family members who got the police called on them (no I didn’t); other than the animal nuisance, it was more entertainment, but then again, no reliability against the crime which we found was frequent & pervasive.

So… find out about the crime. Don’t be content with some folks assessment. Sit out for a weekend in your vehicle or on the porch of the house you’re considering, and watch what goes on. Go at different times, not just “prime time”/ leisure time. Get time off to see how it is on Friday night, Saturday night maybe.

See if the area is in a water shed and if there is flooding during rainy season. Visit during rainy season if you can, if you can’t check with the county authorities and also with neighbours on this.

Age of roof and heating system. Paperwork on them if possible. Both should have warranties.

For $500 we hired a home inspector and he gave our home a 9/10 because the roof had a 20 life and it was past that and had some patches. We replaced it for $2222. I remember cause it was such an odd amount.This tax day makes 14 years we have been in this house. We never talked to the owners they had been transfered for work and the house was empty. The house had been reduced and we offered them even less and they took it. Empty homes often mean motivated sellers. This is the only home I have ever owned. We ( read my pain in the butt hubby) looked at houses for 3 years. He had this crazy laundry list of what he wanted in a house, a luckily we were not married when he started looking, nor could he afforded it on his own.

The house I bought was in estate and had been empty for five years. This was a good thing because the house was almost completely empty, and a house without furniture tells few lies.

Stick to the facts when you buy a house. It is easy to fall in love with a nook, fireplace, beautiful potential garden, or an adjoining nursery… but try to limit what you see by what you need. You need a roof that doesn’t leak. You need updated electrical wiring. You need windows that have good seals and intact glass. You need to have a bug inspection… especially have them check for bug/termite damage or previous infestation. Don’t buy a house that was infested, because it is more likely to be infested again. Check the heating and cooling system.

Ignore the paint colors, door knobs, light fixtures, wall switches and anything else easily and cheaply replaced.

Location! Check and make sure via google map that there are no paper mills, bleacheries, food irradiation or other smelly, noisy or noxious factories within a 30 mile radius.

Look at the local government records for privious owners. My house had 2 owners before I bought it… since it was built in 1927 (The first folks had it built, and sold it in 1932, the second family sold it to me in 1989). A good house is lived in and families are loath to sell them. Beware a house that is sold every few years.

I agree with all the other comments. Additionally, i would check out the local council info on if the area you are looking at buying in is prone to flooding or termites. These things can cause major hassles down the line. Cheers and good luck.

Find out as much as possible about why they are selling and moving. Knowing their motivation, if they already have another home, etc., will really help you during the negotiation period.

Find out as much as possible about why they are selling and moving. Knowing their motivation, if they already have another home, etc., will really help you during the negotiation period.

A home inspector is by all means worth the money. Make a list of all the suggestions you have been given here and see that you’ve addressed all of your concerns.