First-Time Buyer? Here are Important Questions to Ask
Are you a first time home buyer? Well, there is a lot that comes into mind and things can become a bit tricky if you do not know some of the important things to consider. In this read, we are going to take a look at some of the important questions from floorplansUsketch to ask when buying a house for the first time:
Why is the House Being Sold?
When it comes to putting an offer, this is one of the primary considerations. It is imperative to find out whether they are motivated sellers who need to move fast, or they just listed their home to see what kind of interest it garners. If they are looking to sell quickly, you might have an opportunity to offer a lower price, particularly if you are in a good financial condition and have the mortgage sorted.
How long it takes to sell a house depends on the local housing demand and the type and price of the house. As such, it should not put you off if the property has been in the market for several months. The average time for selling a house is usually 2 to 3 months.
Has the Property Undergone any Major Renovations or Repairs Recently?
If it is an older house, or have concerns regarding the condition, it is advisable that you get a more detailed survey. Before then, do not be afraid to ask a few questions as well, including if any major improvements, renovations, or extensions have been done. It’s ideally worth seeing whether there’s any potential to extend the property, although you should keep in mind that this will be subject to planning permission.
What is the Parking Situation?
If the home does not come with a parking space or garage, you will need to figure out where you and your guests will park. Do you require a disabled parking space on the main road, for instance? It’s also worth contacting the local council to find out whether you can get a designated spot.
Is the House Part of a Chain?
This can give you a bit of bargaining power. If the seller has already found their next home, they might be willing to accept a lower offer in order to ensure the move occurs as soon as possible. However, if they have not, you may become part of a delayed or longer chain and so, it’s worth considering how long you’re willing to wait.
How Much Will the Bills Be?
You should ask the estate agent whether they know how much the council tax is for the region. Ideally, you’ll want to take a look at the Energy Performance Certificate to see how energy efficient the property is. The energy performance certificate will have a rating of A-G as well as the potential rating that can be achieved if the energy efficiency is improved.
What is Included in The Sale?
In this regard, you should ensure you get as much information as possible. For instance, will any items such as washing machine or dishwasher be included in the sale? Having such essentials already in the property will make the move feel much smoother. However, you need to consider their cost in your house buying budget.
Does the Neighbourhood Have Any Issues You Should Know About?
Assessing the location is one thing you can’t afford to skimp. Do your homework. Visit the region during rush hour and ask the local people what they think about the area. Also, it’s important to consider whether you will be commuting by bus or train and try to visit the location both at day time and during the night.
Who are the Neighbours?
How the answer to this question affects your decision varies on your preferences. Barking dogs and noisy neighbours might be a turn off to some individuals, but to others, it’s not a big deal. A neighbourhood with nice neighbours can also have an effect on your decision. As such, conduct some research.
