3 Commonly Forgotten Questions to Consider When Buying a House
The home buying process can be very stressful - it’s hard to keep track of everything! Asking yourself important questions throughout the process will help you reflect on your situation and consider all aspects of the home buying process. Here are three basic yet commonly overlooked questions when buying a house.
Why is the seller leaving?
The reason behind why the seller is leaving the property can tell you a lot about the house itself. If you look at the history of the tenants of the house and see that they lived there for a long time and recently just moved out, they may have loved the home but are looking to expand. If you look and see that the tenants only stayed for a short period and moved out quickly, maybe they lived there and noticed issues with the property and decided to leave fast.
In addition, understanding why the seller is leaving can give you a better deal on the home you are purchasing. If the seller is in a rush to leave, they will be much more willing to negotiate to sell their property faster. In comparison, someone in little to no hurry to move out will have a more challenging time bringing down the price.
What’s my budget?
Before even looking at houses, make sure you know your total budget. Budgeting probably seems obvious when buying a home, but many people go “Zillow crazy” and convince themselves they can afford a house simply because they love the way it looks. Budget is THE top thing to consider before buying a home, but many people fail to consider the other costs. Consider all the fees and taxes aside from just the sales price itself. Consider all the cost factors so that you will not be blindsided by other additional costs when purchasing the home. Showing your realtor that you know your budget will let them know what you want and what you are looking for without any confusion about whether or not you can afford a property.
How long has the house been on the market?
Looking at the house’s lifespan on the market gives you a lot of information about the property. Ask yourself, “If a home has been on the market for a while with a low price, what could be the reason? Is something wrong with the property?” On the other hand, act fast if a home has been recently added to the market! A good deal on a home is hard to come by and goes by fast, so look into those new additions to the market and see if they are worth your attention.
A property's time on the market may also affect the seller's decisions in selling the home. Sellers with properties that have been on the market for a while will be more willing to negotiate prices to sell the house quickly. This means getting a better price and terms for you!
Do I have a realtor that knows what they’re doing?
Bonus question! If you don’t feel comfortable with the realtor working for you, don’t hesitate to switch. Dena Musfy Real Estate Group has helped countless buyers find the home of their dreams within the BUDGET of their dreams. Dena is a master negotiation expert and has expert knowledge of Houston real estate and the housing market. Don’t hesitate to send us a message or call today. You can fill out an inquiry form here and get started on your future right away - with Dena Musfy Real Estate Group!