When purchasing a home, there are many questions that you should ask the seller before you make the final decision to buy the home. Knowing the right questions to ask will help you determine whether or not the home is truly the right one for you. To that end, here are some of the most important seller questions you should ask before closing a deal.
Why are You Selling the Home?
Understanding why the seller is moving can help you determine how to best approach negotiating a deal. For example, a seller who is moving due to a job relocation may be motivated to sell more quickly than someone who simply wants a home that offers more living space. While you may not get a truthful answer from the buyer, getting this feedback can still be useful when moving forward with your purchase plans.
How is the Neighborhood?
Asking the seller about the neighborhood will give you a better feel of whether or not the neighborhood is a good fit for you. In addition to asking about neighborhood amenities, you should ask whether or not the neighbors are noisy or otherwise problematic, if traffic congestion is a problem, if there are any bothersome odors or noises in the neighborhood and whether or not there are bright lights or other disturbances within the neighborhood.
What Kinds of Problems Have You Had with the House?
You should not only ask the seller about any current problems that the home might have, but about any past problems that have been dealt with within the home, too. While sellers are legally required to disclose certain problems with the home, it is also beneficial to ask the seller point blank about any other problems the home may have. In this way, you can negotiate any necessary repairs or you can ask for a reduction in price based on the problems the house may have.
Asking about problems that the home may have had in the past will also help you to determine if other problems may occur in the future. When asking about past problems, be sure to also ask how those problems were repaired. This will give you a better idea of whether or not the problems are likely to return.
What is Included in the Sale of the Home?
Before closing on a deal, it is essential to clarify what is and is not included in the sale. Permanent fixtures such as faucets and cabinets are generally included in a home sale. Other items, however, may be up for negotiation. This can include items such as lighting fixtures, sheds, outdoor play equipment, window treatments, appliances and wall-mounted sound systems.
How Long Has the Home Been on the Market?
Asking how long the home has been on the market can serve as a good negotiation tool. If the home has been on the market for quite some time, for example, it is a sign that the home was initially priced too high. The longer the home remains on the marker, the harder it becomes to sell. As such, you are more likely to be able to negotiate a lower price as the seller becomes more anxious about getting the home sold.
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