10 Questions to Ask During a Home Tour

>>Find the Best Real Estate Agent<<

It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of a home during an initial viewing. You might notice the pretty paint color, open layout, or how cute the furniture is. However, it’s essential to take a deeper look at the home beyond the eye-catching elements. To get a better understanding of the integrity of the home, there are 10 essential questions to ask during a home tour.

1. What is the age of the home?

Knowing the age of a home is essential. Older homes may require updates to systems and major components of the home.

If a homeowner has regularly serviced systems and made updates over the years, the home’s value is better preserved. This proactive maintenance can make it easier for the home buyer because it limits the potential for a major outlay of money to replace structural elements of the home.

Simplify your real estate journey. Find an Expert agent today.

Search and compare real estate agents near you.

2. What is the age of the roof?

The roof is a significant expense if it needs replacement. If the roof has minor leaks or issues, it may be possible to patch it, which is less costly than a full replacement.

Knowing the roof’s age and condition will help you plan for future maintenance. During a home tour, ask about any updates to the roof or if an inspection has been performed prior to listing the house.

If you proceed with an offer on the home, the home inspector will look at the roof. Ask the home inspector for a detailed report, including specific areas that show wear and how to resolve any issues.

>>DISCOVER: What do home inspectors look for?

3. What is the age of the heating system?

Heating, air conditioning, and water heater systems are crucial for maintaining a comfortable home.

Older systems may require more frequent repairs and could be more expensive to replace. During the home tour, ask about service records on the furnace and other systems to see if they’ve been maintained regularly.

Consider asking the seller for a home warranty, which could help cover some of the maintenance or replacement costs.

4. Does the basement get water or moisture?

Use your senses to detect any signs of moisture or mold in the basement, but remember that sometimes there is no noticeable smell.

Look for clues like water stains on walls, floors, or near bulkhead stairs. If the basement has a sump pump, check for standing water and ask how frequently the pump runs. During the home tour, ask whether the sump pump runs every time it rains, only during heavy rainfall, or occasionally. This can tell you a lot about the flow of water around the house and could point to the potential for issues.

5. Does the attic have mold?

It may not be possible to enter the attic during a home tour or ask about its condition. Therefore, it is essential to ask about mold during the home inspection.

Mold in the attic poses a serious health hazard and should be addressed promptly by a licensed mold remediation professional.

Attic mold not only affects air quality but can also spread to other parts of the home, causing potential respiratory issues. If mold is detected, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying cause—such as poor ventilation, roof leaks, or inadequate insulation—to prevent it from returning.

Remediating the mold without fixing the source of moisture or airflow issues will only be a temporary solution, so ensure a thorough inspection and long-term fix to maintain a safe, mold-free environment.

>>MORE: Can you sell a house with mold?

6. How long has the home been on the market?

The length of time a home has been on the market can significantly impact your negotiating power.

Homes that have been listed for longer periods may indicate less buyer interest, which could provide an opportunity to offer a lower price or request seller concessions. Additionally, extended time on the market might allow for more flexibility in terms such as closing costs or repairs.

However, it’s also wise to investigate why the home hasn’t sold yet—whether due to market conditions, location, or specific property issues—to ensure you make an informed offer.

>>LEARN: How to negotiate the best deal on your home.

7. What is the estimated cost of utilities?

Understanding the cost of utilities can be essential for budgeting. During the home tour, ask the agent for approximate utility costs.

If an offer is made, ask the sellers for past utility bills to get an accurate picture of monthly expenses.

This information can reveal how efficient the home’s systems are and whether they might require servicing or upgrades. High utility bills, for example, may indicate outdated or inefficient heating, cooling, or insulation systems that could benefit from upgrades or regular maintenance.

Factoring utility costs into your overall budget helps ensure the home remains affordable over time.

8. Are there any signs of pests?

Inspect the home for any signs of pests, both inside and around the property.

Look for indicators like droppings, gnawed wires, or small entry holes around the foundation or windows. Evidence of pests can signal the need for a prevention system, like regular pest control services, which can protect the home from long-term damage.

Pests like termites, rodents, or carpenter ants can cause significant structural damage over time, so addressing any issues early can prevent costly repairs and help maintain the home’s value.

>>DISCOVER: Should you get a pest inspection before you close?

9. Why are the owners selling?

Asking why the current owners are selling can offer valuable insights into the home’s history and any issues that may have affected the property or neighborhood.

Common reasons include life changes, such as downsizing, needing more space, or relocating for work. Understanding the sellers’ motivations may also strengthen your position when negotiating.

For example, if they’re moving quickly due to a job transfer, they may be more open to concessions or a lower offer. Additionally, knowing why they are selling may provide reassurance that no major issues are driving them away from the home or area.

10. What is the neighborhood like?

The surrounding neighborhood can have a major impact on your day-to-day quality of life, so it’s essential to explore and understand it.

Real estate agents may be limited in the information they can provide, but it’s worth asking during the home tour.

To investigate the neighborhood, reach out to local officials or consult crime statistics, school ratings, and community resources. Visiting the area at different times of day and talking to neighbors can give you a sense of the neighborhood’s atmosphere, safety, and family-friendliness.

This research helps ensure the neighborhood aligns with your lifestyle and long-term plans.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is generally the biggest financial purchase of your lifetime; therefore, it’s essential to ask questions during the home tour and get to know all that you can about the house. Additionally, you can use this information when making your home offer.

It’s also essential to work with a trusted real estate agent who can guide you. Realtors see things that a home buyer may not and can advise you on the best way forward. Make sure you work with an expert agent who can guide you to a successful home purchase.