3 Questions to Ask During an Open House
If you’re planning to attend an open house, you should be prepared. You typically can talk with the selling agent directly at these events and get the scoop on the home and area. To get the most out of the open house, make a list of your top priority questions that would impact your decision on whether or not to put an offer on the house. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking at the open houses you attend.
1. How many offers have already been put on the house?
If a number of offers have already been put in, the agent is likely to tell you all about it. This could mean the home and area are desirable, but it could also mean that the price may rise due to multiple offers. Follow up by finding out how long the home has been on the market and if the price has remained consistent or changed frequently. There are many factors that could determine a price fluctuation, so make sure to do your homework.
2. What types of issues come with the house?
Even if the home looks well-maintained on the outside, you wouldn’t know if there are possible structural or past code violations. This type of information is required to be disclosed to potential buyers who ask. You could even take it a step further and ask the selling agent to take you to each of the locations that there are possible problems. By knowing about these different issues now, it could help you tailor your offer.
3. What are the neighbors like?
If you have a family with small children, you’ll want to know if the neighborhood has other families with children. Or if you’re a young couple just starting out, you may not want to be in a neighborhood of older couples. No matter your stage of life, it’s important to consider this, especially if you enjoy a strong knit community.