Inquiries Not Generally Pondered Prior to House Purchase Decision
Ready to bag your dream home? Here's a lowdown on some less-obvious questions to ask that could save you from future headaches.
1. Was the home ever a money-making machine?
You'd think a home office for remote work is nothing to worry about. But if the previous owner turned the house into a physical business, it could haunt your new abode in unexpected ways. Old customers may pop up unannounced, or you might end up dealing with someone else's business affairs. Yikes!
2. Has the house been a magnet for motor mayhem?
Seems far-fetched, right? But if your potential home is at a busy intersection, the bottom of a steep hill, or around a blind corner, it's worth asking if the house has been involved in any car-related accidents. Homes getting hit by cars isn't common, but if it's been hit once, chances are conditions that led to the accident still exist, and it could happen again.
3. What exactly comes with the house?
When you see a house, you imagine it comes with the kitchen appliances, backyard, and maybe even the finished basement, right? Think again! Some sellers might not include such things in the sale unless specified in the contract. So, don’t assume!
4. Do all the outlets spark joy... or sparks?
Old homes often lack enough power outlets. So, it’s important to ensure all the existing ones work properly or spend extra bucks to add more. While upgrading a property is exciting, be wary of shady sellers who add fancy-looking but nonfunctional outlets.
5. Is the house historic...or simply old?
If you're eyeing an older home, find out if it's located in a historic district or designated as a historic building. This could mean extra expenses and limitations for renovations. You'd think such details would be disclosed before the sale, but they might not be if the house, not the area, is what's officially historic.
6. Renovation on the sly: What's the story behind that shiny new basement?
If the house appears to have had a major renovation but only the basement was updated, it might be a sign of concealed water damage. Make sure you know the reason behind the basement refurbishment.
7. Got oil? Do I need to deal with it?
Old houses might have an ancient oil tank buried underground. If the tank was properly decommissioned, it's nothing to worry about – unless you plan to dig up the backyard. But if it wasn't, you could face potential health hazards and land in a financial disaster.
8. When it comes to trees, a little care goes a long way
Trees offer numerous benefits but can also become a hazard if not properly maintained. Avoid buying a property with neglected trees that may fall, harbor pests, or create conflicts with neighbors. Taking care of trees can be expensive, but it's worth it to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Extra tips:
- Think environmental: Check for soil stability, landslide risks, and groundwater quality if the property uses well water.
- Consider the neighborhood: Understand local zoning laws, neighborhood dynamics, noise pollution, and any planned developments that might impact property value.
- Understand hidden costs: Keep an eye out for HOA fees, utility challenges, insurance costs, and alternative financing risks.
- Verify documents and title: Make sure there are no outstanding liens, heirs' property issues, or boundary disputes.
- Check infrastructure and amenities: Enquire about internet speeds, proximity to essential services, and future development potential in the area.
- Maybe it's wise to ask if the house has ever served as a money-making machine, such as a home-based business, as it could potentially lead to unexpected visitors or business-related issues.
- It's crucial to find out if the house has been involved in any motor-related accidents, especially if it is located at a busy intersection, the bottom of a steep hill, or around a blind corner, as this could indicate recurring risks.
- When contemplating a purchase, it's essential to clarify what exactly is included in the sale of the house, as some sellers might not include appliances or other features like a finished basement unless explicitly listed in the contract.
