When buying a home, it’s crucial to understand all the pertinent information about the property, as well as the neighborhood and local lifestyle that comes with it.
Your due diligence can start with thorough search on the internet, then perhaps a personal visit to the area. But don’t forget that the property seller is your most convenient and most reliable resource, offering firsthand knowledge and experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
With your agent, you can expect to learn about basic matters regarding the sale, from pricing details to disclosures on the structural integrity of the home. As a buyer, you can ask the listed questions below in order to improve your appreciation of the home and its neighborhood when it’s time for you to move in.
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Why are you selling?
Finding out the owner’s reason for selling can help you gauge how much room you have to negotiate a lower sale price. If the seller is motivated to move out faster – say, because of a new or relocated job – you may benefit from more flexibility towards your offer.
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What is the history of the house?
Legally required disclosure forms cover details such as the structural integrity and the renovation history of a house. You can dig deeper, however, by asking the seller to tell the actual “story” of the house. Are there any interesting anecdotes or intriguing stories about previous owners?
Useful information about what already works and what still needs work has its benefits. But sometimes plain interesting facts can make your living experience in the property simply more pleasant and exciting.
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What should I know about the local amenities and services?
What does the neighborhood you’re moving to offer? Chat up the owner to learn about what makes the community tick along with useful tips only a resident can dispense.
For example, how the local homeowners’ association serves the community to garbage pickup schedules, from emergency services to favorite local dives – you can save plenty of time learning the ropes around your new stomping grounds simply by asking the seller.
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What was it like when you first moved in?
What was the previous owners’ experience when they first moved in? You could get a surprising range of answers – from the level of neighborliness of the community to the home’s unique characteristics. The information may prove useful when it’s your turn to occupy the home.
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Are there any items they would be willing to sell or leave behind?
A nice work of art, a piece of furniture, or an heirloom accessory may have caught your eye the first time you viewed the home. Now that you’re buying the house, ask the owners about them. They may be willing to sell or give the item to you as a gift.
If you are looking excellent Pepper Pike, Shaker Heights, and Hunting Valley real estate options, pick up the phone and contact Cici Riley. Dedicated to connecting people and properties for almost 30 years, her experience will help you navigate the Greater Cleveland real estate market. Call Cici at 216-831-9310 or email ciciriley(at)howardhanna(dotted)com.