Here are essential questions to ask your estate agent when buying a house:
Property Details
Condition: "What is the current condition of the property? Any recent repairs or renovations?"
Age: "How old is the property?"
Ownership History: "How long has the current owner lived here, and why are they selling?"
Included Items: "What items or appliances are included in the sale?"
Price and Value
Listing Duration: "How long has this property been on the market?"
Pricing: "Has the price changed since listing?"
Offers: "Have there been any other offers?"
Neighborhood & Location
Community Details: "What are the local schools, amenities, and public transport options?"
Crime Rate: "What's the crime rate in this area?"
Future Developments: "Are there any planned developments nearby?"
Legal & Financial
Property Title: "Are there any legal issues or disputes over the property title?"
Council Tax: "What is the council tax band for this property?"
Utilities: "What are the average utility costs here?"
Structural & Maintenance
Inspection Reports: "Are there any recent inspection or survey reports available?"
Major Repairs: "Any history of major repairs or structural issues?"
Maintenance Costs: "What are the estimated maintenance costs for this property?"
Final Steps
Closing Process: "What are the next steps after the offer is accepted?"
Negotiation: "Is there any room for negotiation on the price or closing terms?"
Contingencies: "What contingencies do you recommend adding to the offer?"
Having a checklist of these questions will help ensure you make an informed decision.
