Important Questions To Ask When Looking At A House

When you look at a house for the first time in person, what you see is rarely what you get. It’s easy to get swept up in all the amenities and attractive features you see at an open house. But it’s important to remember that what you see on the surface may not represent the state of the entire home. The house may look clean and updated and may be filled with stylish furniture, but how do you know what’s happening beneath the surface?

Let’s talk about what questions you should ask when looking at a house to help you make the right decision.

8 General Questions To Ask When Looking At A House

When you’re attending an open house, it’s your chance to dig into the nitty-gritty of a home’s details to make sure you’re not missing anything. Here are a few general questions you may not have thought of but should consider asking.

1. Is There A Homeowners Association (HOA) Fee And What Do They Take Care Of?

A homeowners association is a community of homes that follows specific rules, restrictions and regulations set by HOA leadership. HOAs have many different goals, but most exist to preserve the values and visual consistency of houses in a given neighborhood. An HOA may restrict how you renovate your home and may even decide the colors you’re allowed to paint your house. They may also provide access to shared local amenities and handle the landscaping outside your home.

You typically pay a monthly fee as a member of an HOA. Your seller should disclose whether their home is part of an HOA community, what the HOA is responsible for inside and outside the home and how much they pay for the monthly fee.

2. Why Is The Homeowner Selling?

Sometimes, a home may seem a little too perfect, and you may wonder, “Why would they sell this?” There are many reasons to sell a home. Maybe the homeowner got a new job and needs to relocate. Maybe the home’s too small for their growing family. Sometimes it’s because the neighborhood no longer meets their needs or the home has serious defects.

If a home doesn’t match what you’re experiencing in person, it may be a good time to ask why the seller is selling. While you may not learn anything, there is a chance you could uncover some new information or red flags that make you reconsider your interest in the house.

3. Is There A Time Frame To Sell?

The more urgency a seller has, the more leverage you have. Sellers with hard deadlines tend to be more flexible on price and more willing to negotiate. Sellers that need to stay in the home for a while may be far less flexible and may not budge on negotiations.

By asking this question, you may discover that the home was priced below market value from the start. When sellers are determined to move quickly, it’s standard for them to list below the competition to generate offers fast.

Understanding the owner’s situation and how quickly they need to be out of a house may give you leverage during negotiations.

4. Have There Been Any Offers On The Home?

When you’re negotiating, it can help to know what kind of offers you’re up against. If there are multiple offers on a house already, you may need to make a very strong offer to be considered. But don’t forget that it’s beneficial to the seller to have you believe there are many offers on their home because it may inject a sense of urgency in buyers and drive them to hike up their offers.

If there really is a lot of competition, consider whether taking a few days to negotiate on the home is worthwhile. You might miss out on other homes in the meantime. This would be a good time to decide whether the home is worth it.

5. Have There Been Any Changes In The Price?

Your real estate agent or REALTOR^® can use the multiple listing service (MLS) to find out whether there have been any changes in price on a home, but it may be worthwhile to ask why the price has changed while you’re at the open house. Learning the reason behind a price drop can sometimes give you negotiating leverage.

The most common reasons for a price drop are:

• The home was priced above market value. If a home has been on the market a while and is overpriced, the seller may drop the asking price to attract attention.
• An inspection revealed a major flaw. The seller or real estate agent should inform you of this. If you live in a state where disclosure isn’t legally required, protect yourself and your future potential investment by including an inspection contingency in your purchase offer.
• The home was cluttered, unclean or poorly staged. If a house looked a little shabby when it hit the market, it may be priced below its potential value – which could become a great bargain in disguise for you.
• The seller needed to sell quickly. If the sellers have a hard deadline, they may have priced their home below market value at the outset or may be willing to accept an offer below the asking price to sell the home.

6. Can I See A Seller’s Disclosure?

In most areas, sellers are legally required to disclose renovations or potential issues related to their homes. From disclosing lead paint to verifying the guest room above the garage was built with a permit, Seller’s Disclosures protect home buyers and sellers.

Disclosure laws vary by location, and in some states, you may not see this information until the seller has accepted your offer. If there’s a disclosure contingency in the purchase agreement, you can back out of a sale if you discover any potential issues that may prove too severe to deal with.

7. What Are The Dimensions Of Each Room?

If you can, try to get the exact dimensions of the spaces and rooms in the house. Knowing these numbers will be helpful if you own or plan to buy large furniture and you’re worried about everything fitting. Consider how much walking space you’d have in a space once your furniture is arranged.

8. What Is The Flooring Like?

Consider the floors in the home and their age. Are the floors carpeted? Are there tiled or hardwood floors? It’s important to know because some floor types require more maintenance. Hardwood, for example, is more durable and low maintenance than carpet – but it can be easily scuffed and damaged by high moisture. For the kitchen, you should prioritize an easy-to-clean, stain-resistant floor.

Questions To Ask When Looking At A House: Room By Room

As you’re surveying the property, ask yourself – and the seller or real estate agent hosting the open house – questions about every room in the home.

Living Room

When you entertain guests, spend time with family or just want to relax after a long day, it will likely be in the living room. So it makes sense to pay close attention when you tour this room. Make sure everything is in good condition and up to your standards.

Kitchen

The kitchen is another heavily used room to pay close attention to. Whether you’re a professional chef or a microwave maestro, there are features you will likely want in a kitchen.

Here are a few questions you may want to ask:

How Old Are The Appliances? Do They Work Properly?

Take a close look at all the appliances. Try to confirm that they’re all in working condition. Knowing the age of the appliances, like the oven, dishwasher, fridge, etc., can help you estimate when they’ll need to be replaced and if they may cause your utility bills to spike.

Not all appliances come with the home purchase. It’s a good idea to ask which appliances are included with the sale of the house. After all, you don’t want your subscription meal delivery to arrive, and you don’t have a refrigerator to store the food.

Does All The Electrical Wiring Work?

Because many large and essential appliances are plugged in on a daily basis in a kitchen, it’s a good idea to make sure all the electrical wiring works properly. Do all the electrical outlets work? Are there any circuit overload issues?

What Is The Current State Of The Cupboards And Countertops?

The look and condition of a kitchen can make or break a home buyer’s desire to purchase a home. Take a careful look at the condition of the cupboards and countertops, checking for any damage or extreme wear and tear. If you’re not the biggest fan of the kitchen, remember that there are some renovations you can make that won’t hurt your wallet too much. According to HomeAdvisor, you can refinish cabinets for $2,940 on average. But it will likely cost quite a bit more to replace cabinets, countertops or flooring. It’s essential to keep your budget in mind.

Dining Room

The dining room is an important space to think about as well. Not every home has a dining room, but there will probably be a space for you to add a kitchen table. Make sure the space works the way you need it to.

Here are a few things to consider:

Is There A Spot For An Overhead Light?

If a chandelier or overhead light is something you want in your dining room, make sure there’s enough space to support your decorating ideas. If you’re interested in somewhat more involved light fixtures, such as recessed lighting, consider whether there is enough ceiling area to install them.

Bathroom

The bathroom will be used every day. It’s important to make sure everything works and is clean.

Does The Toilet, Sink, Shower, Etc., Work Properly?

Apply an extra cautious eye over the bathroom(s). A bathroom may house many hidden issues that could end up causing major problems in a home, such as water damage and accumulated moisture. Be on the lookout for anything leaking or damaged. You should also ask about the age of the toilet, sink and shower to help determine whether the bathroom will need a remodel in the coming years.

What Is The Water Pressure Like In The Shower?

You should also ask about the water pressure in the shower. Some showers have better or worse water pressure than others, and very low shower pressure can be a sign of old pipes, limescale or sediment buildup.

Bedroom

You should look at more than the number of bedrooms when you check out a house. A bedroom can be more than the place you put a bed. Consider other needs you may have for bedrooms and whether the bedrooms you see can accommodate you and your stuff.

Is There Enough Closet Or Storage Space?

In addition to natural lighting and space for your furniture, you should check the storage space situation – especially if you have a large family. A tiny closet may not work in a shared room. Ask about the dimensions for all the closets and storage areas in the home.

There are always storage solutions you can use to maximize your space after you buy a home – but you should still confirm that you’ll have enough room for your belongings in the first place. Think about the size of your current closets. Are the closets in the home you’re interested in smaller or larger?

Is There Wiring In Place For Lighting And Internet?

You should also make sure there is wiring in the bedroom for lighting and internet. If you want to put a computer or gaming console in your bedroom, you’ll need an Ethernet port. Make sure the light switches work. And ask if they control any of the outlets in the room, in case you want to add a lamp or additional lighting.

Laundry Room

You may not think to scrutinize the laundry area, but it’s probably a good idea. Not every home has the same setup, and the home you’re looking at may or may not include the laundry machines.

Are The Washer And Dryer Included? If So, How Old Are They?

Washers and dryers aren’t always included in a sale. But if you like them, inquire about them. If they are included, find out how old they are and how well they run. It’s better to know sooner rather than later whether they will need to be repaired or replaced soon.

Consider the placement of a home’s washer and dryer hookup as well. Some homeowners may prefer to have their washer and dryer in a mudroom or basement, while others may not mind them near a bathroom or in the hall.

Have There Been Any Issues Or Maintenance Repairs In This Room?

If a home has a laundry room, consider asking if there have been any issues or recent repairs done in the room. Since water and heat are frequently used in laundry rooms, they may cause damage to the floors and walls.

Garage

The garage is another important area to ask questions about and examine. This space will likely house your car. You should make sure everything is clean and structurally sound.

How Old Is The Garage?

The age of a garage may not seem like a huge deal, but it may offer hints on what may need work in the future. Garage doors, for example, don’t last forever. Many garage door openers only last 10 – 15 years before they need to be replaced. Older garages may not be well lit, which can be a safety hazard and require updated lighting.

Have There Been Any Issues With The Garage (Bugs, Wear And Tear, Etc.)?

It’s a good idea to ask if there have been any issues with the garage in general. Sellers should disclose any pest inspections or whether there is a history of infestation in the garage.

Some wear and tear is standard since garages house vehicles and other items. But major problems, such as issues with the foundation, warrant your serious concern and may be a huge red flag.

Exteriors (Roof, Driveway, Yard, Etc.)

You should also ask about the exterior of the home. If you purchased the home, the yard, roof, siding and landscaping would become your responsibility. It’s critical to determine whether anything significant is wrong with any of these easily forgotten house features.

How Big Is The Yard?

For many home buyers, the size of a yard is serious business, especially if they have children or pets. If your kids or pets need space to run and play, a lack of yard space may be a deal breaker. Consider what size yard you would like beforehand, then check out the home’s outdoor space to see if it will accommodate your human and animal family.

Is one of your backyard must-haves a fence? Check to see if the backyard is fenced in. If it’s not, find out whether it can be. A fence can provide much-needed privacy from neighbors. But keep in mind any local rules regulating how they can look and how tall they can be built.

Have There Been Any Issues With The Roof, Siding Or Other Exterior Materials?

Repairing the exterior of a house, especially a roof, can be very expensive, and it can wreck your budget if you have to do it right after you move in. Ask about the condition of the home’s roofing and siding, too. What material is the roof made of? When was it last repaired?

Composition, asphalt and wood shingle roofs typically last 15 – 25 years before they need to be replaced. Sturdier roofs, like roofs made of metal or rubber, may last between 30 and 75 years.

What Maintenance Is Required For The Driveway?

Depending on the driveway material, you’ll need to perform different tasks to maintain it. Ask what annual maintenance is required for the driveway. Concrete driveways may need to be sealed every year, while asphalt is sealed every few years. Gravel driveways will need gravel added to them every year and may need to be raked as well.

What Maintenance Is Required For The Landscaping?

The house and the driveway shouldn’t be the only items on your home maintenance checklist. You should know how much work is involved in maintaining the landscaping, too. If there are elaborate flower beds, a koi pond and carefully trimmed topiary trees to take care of, you’ll need to learn how to take care of it and how much maintenance may cost each year. If the home is connected to a homeowners association (HOA), outdoor landscaping may be handled by the HOA, which would be a significant perk to verify.

FAQs

Now that you have a general idea of the types of questions you should ask when viewing a home, you should read through some related frequently asked questions.

Who should you bring with you when looking at a house?

A second pair of eyes can ensure you’re not missing anything during your tour – and a second opinion on a home never hurts. Your real estate agent or REALTOR^® is a great person to have come along. Consider inviting your partner, business associate or the person buying a house with you.

What questions should you ask when buying a house for the first time?

Leaping into homeownership is a big deal – especially if it’s your first time. First-time home buyers should ask themselves these questions as they search for the right property that fits their budget:

• How much house can I afford? Work closely with your lender and use a home affordability calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payments and other expenses to ensure you don’t become “house poor.”
• What do I need to qualify for a loan? Mortgage lenders typically consider your work history, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), credit score and down payment to help them decide whether to approve a loan.
• Which loan type is best for me? New home buyers can apply for a few different loans, including Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, conventional loans, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans. Each loan has different requirements, loan terms and interest rates.

What should you not do or say at a house viewing?

You must know when to draw the line or keep a poker face. Avoid oversharing or displaying too much enthusiasm for the home. And stick to questions about the house. Don't pry into the seller’s personal life.

Keep your conversation to your thoughts about the home. If the seller overhears anything they don’t like, it may put your offer in jeopardy or weaken your hand during negotiations.

The Bottom Line: Answers To Questions Can Make Or Break Your Decision To Buy A House

There are plenty of questions you can ask during your home search to help fine-tune and narrow your options. When viewing a house, ask the questions that matter, the ones that will make or break your decision to acquire a home or abandon it.

If you think you’re ready to make an offer, apply today for mortgage approval and jump-start your home buying journey.