Attending open house events is a great way to find out what’s available in your house-hunting area, but it can get overwhelming. Almost every house is perfectly staged and spotlessly clean, and a viewer can get lost in all the prettiness that they forget to ask questions to the agent. Jot down these questions before you head out, so you will be ready when you walk through the door:
- Note the roof as you’re walking up the walkway, and be sure to ask the agent about the age of the roof.
- Be sure to not only check out the front yard, but get a good look at the back yard, and ask about any extras and if they’re included in the price: sheds, children’s playsets, spas or hot tubs.
- Find out if any of the systems, plumbing, electrical or HVAC, as well the hot water heater, are original to the home, and if not, when they were upgraded, or if anything is still under warranty.
- Don’t get lost in an amazing kitchen and forget to ask if the appliances come with the house.
- If the floors are covered with carpet, ask what is underneath; in some older homes, carpet is installed over hardwood.
- How is the home heated? The cost for heat will be more, regardless, but if you have to rely on propane or some other fuel, that’s an extra cost all at once.
- Utility costs can vary, depending on many factors, so ask about how much the average water and electricity bill runs every month.
- You need to know if there are any homeowner’s association fees, as well as what is included in the fees if any.
- In case of an addition on the home, find out when it was built, and who the building contractor was.
- How long has the house been on the market? Have any offers already been made?
Normally at open house events, the RealtorⓇ that is there will have an information sheet for attendees, and some questions you have will be answered there. When you can’t think of anything else, simply ask if there’s anything about the home that you should know. The agent should be knowledgeable about the house, the area and its demographics, and will be happy to answer any questions you will have for them.