Buying a home is an exciting milestone. But it's not the sort of thing people do very often, and if it's been a while since the last time you worked with a real estate agent--or it's your first time house hunting--you may be a little overwhelmed. There are a lot of questions to ask a realtor when buying a house, and you don't want to overlook anything important.
A good real estate agent should happily answer your questions and help you feel at ease. At Chatham Homes Realty, we know how important it is to answer our client's questions and ensure they're well-informed. If you're unsure where to begin, here are some questions to get you started.
Important Questions You Should Ask Before Viewing a Home or Property
Knowing the right questions to ask realtors when buying a house at the beginning of your search is a great way to weed out properties that won't work for you. Discussing these issues with your agent will help them better understand what you want and narrow your focus.
What Location Should I Choose?
Even if your heart is set on a specific area, hearing your agent's input on what neighborhoods work best for you is worthwhile. An experienced real estate agent knows facts about different areas that could be very important to you in the long run.
What Concessions and Contingencies Should I Include in the Contract?
It's easy to fall in love with a house and forget about protecting yourself in the contract. Discuss what you want the seller to give you and under what conditions you can walk away from the deal. It's much easier to decide these things before you have stars in your eyes about the beautiful home you just saw.
Do You Know a Local Inspector, Appraiser, or Lender?
Take advantage of your real estate agent's professional contacts. They want this sale to go smoothly and make you happy. They also know the people who work in the industry, so they're a great resource for trustworthy recommendations.
Helpful Questions to Ask Once You've Found a House
So you've found a property that seems perfect? That's great news! But before you start imagining where you'll put your furniture, check in with your agent to see what they think. Remember: they do this daily and can see things you might miss, especially when you've just fallen in love with a house.
What Problems Do You See With This House?
It's easy to overlook or underestimate problems a house might have. Among the questions to ask your realtors when buying a house, check with your real estate agent so they can give you objective feedback on what might cause trouble in the long run. They've looked at many houses and have great insight into what is no big deal or potentially a dealbreaker.
Why is the Owner Selling?
Any insight into the homeowner's motivations can help you decide. If they're selling because they're moving out of state, they may be more motivated to negotiate on the price. On the other hand, if they're selling because the maintenance is so expensive, that may indicate that you should reconsider buying it.
Is This House Priced Fairly? Would You Buy it?
You may love the home and be happy to pay the selling price, but that doesn't automatically mean you're getting a fair price. Your agent sees lots of properties and has a deep understanding of the market in the area, so they should be able to give you guidance on what a house should cost.
What Annual Costs Can I Expect for This House?
Don't forget that your mortgage payments aren't the only expense you're taking on with a new house. Be sure to get a good idea of how the property tax, utilities, homeowners association fees, and typical utility bills are going to impact your budget.
What are the Closing Costs?
You don't want to be surprised by how much your closing costs will be when considering if you can afford a property. Although this may seem complicated to figure out, a real estate agent can give you an idea of how much you'll spend on closing costs.
Let Chatham Homes Realty Find Your Lee County Dream Home
Are you ready to find the perfect house for you in Chatham or Siler City, NC? If so, we invite you to contact us at Chatham Homes Realty today. Our expert real estate agents will work with you through every step of the process so you are fully informed and empowered to select the right home for you and your family.
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