What Every Home Buyer Must Ask

by Dianne Drinkwater 06/09/2019

It's always important to ask some crucial questions from the seller of your new home. No home is 100% perfect, and you want to make sure that you are aware of whatever issues the house may have. While some sellers may volunteer that information, it is not incorrect to assume that most will not, hence the need to ask these questions.

How old are the roof and other structures in the house? Older portions of the structure such as the roof may be very expensive to replace. On the average, an asphalt roof may last as long as 15 to 20 years before needing repairs or replacement, so factor in the age of the roof before you decide to make your offer to the buyer. Find out about the material used to make the roof too, as some are more expensive than others when it comes to replacement. You should also ask for documentation about repair work done on any part of the house, so you have it for future references.
Have there been any water-related issues? Issues like burst pipes, flooding or water poisoning are sometimes reoccurring incidences. So you need to know ahead of time. Some neighborhoods are more prone to flooding during flood season and knowing these details might be crucial to your convenient stay. Knowledge of previous occurrences will help you keep an eye out for repeat situations so you can address them early enough.
What kind of sewage system does the house have? Does the house have a septic tank or is it connected to the local sewage system? You need to be aware of that. A home with its own septic tank needs to be pumped out on average every 4 to 5 years unless property care for with an enzyme treatment, so knowing the care history or the last time of its service will give you an idea of when you might need to pump it again after you move in.
What is the neighborhood like? You may assume you are just buying a property, but you are buying more than that. You are investing in the value of the neighborhood too. So you should ask questions about the type of community it is. Do drugs and gangs overrun it? Is the public system good enough for your kids? Is it too close to the freeway? Being aware of some this information may also affect your decision to buy or not. If you want to learn more about that neighborhood, view reviews of it online and talk to a knowledgeable real estate agent.

Homebuyers

Questions To Ask Before Buying A Home

About the Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater