6 Questions You Need Answered Before & After You Close On A Home

Buying a new home can always be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time doing so. Luckily, there are plenty of professionals involved in the process to help you along the way. Unfortunately, it's not always obvious what questions you should ask them.

This guide is here to help by giving you six questions you need to get answered before and after you close on a home and why you need them answered. These are questions that need to be answered by either the realtors, the homeowners, the inspectors, and even some by doing your own research.

Why is the seller moving?

When many first-time buyers are narrowing down on homes they like, they tend to forget to ask why the seller is moving. While the answer they have will likely be mundane and harmless, it can help you decide if the house is right for you. If they are moving somewhere larger for their family, you should consider if the house will still be big enough for you within a couple of years. Whatever their reason, decide if the same situation with the home is acceptable to you.

Are there any major issues with the property and how much would it cost to fix them?

It is important to check with the home inspector about any major issues that currently exist or may become a problem soon after moving in. If the home is going to need a new roof shortly after moving in, you should consider that when it comes to your offer. If the home needs major work on the HVAC, that is something you need to be aware of before purchasing.

Is there anything that I must do before I move into the property?

While the previous question was more about issues that involve comfort and quality of life, this question is more about safety. It's vital to find out what kind of things must be done before moving into the property due to safety and health reasons. These can be things like electrical, plumbing, and other issues. Often, you can negotiate to have sellers pay for these mandatory repairs.

What does the past insurance-claim history look like?

You need to look at past insurance claims to see if there were any major issues with the house in the past. The claims history may show that certain, unexpected problems with the house keep persisting.

How is the neighborhood?

The neighborhood is almost as important as the house itself. It's important to do thorough research on the neighborhood to make sure it is safe. You also want to be aware of any issues with the neighborhood that can affect the value of your home in the future.

What can I do to improve the value of the home?

After moving in, several things can be done to increase the value of your home. It's good to figure out which improvements still need to be done to increase the home's value for a minimal cost.