100 Questions Every Home Buyer Should Ask

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There’s lot to think about when you’re getting ready to buy a home. To help make the buying process as smooth as possible, I’ve compiled a list of 100 questions to ask when looking for a new home.  At the end of this article, you will find a link to the complete list.       

Most buyers want to know how they can find their dream home.  To avoid home-buyer mistakes, the most important step is to find a real estate professional to help you with the process.  Also, know what you want in a house.  Ask yourself questions such as how close do you want to be to your job?  To shopping?  To your place of worship?  Would you like to have a garden?  Do you need a garage?  How close do you want to be to a grocery store?  Based on all the information you provide, a knowledgeable agent will help you land your dream home.    

Remember, your agent will not only help you find the home of your dreams, but connect you to the right people to make the entire process as smooth as possible.  In addition to a real estate agent to represent you, you’ll also need a home inspector, a lender and a real estate attorney.  Yes, an attorney.  

You may be asking, “Do I really need an attorney?”  Most definitely, especially since it doesn’t cost you anything extra.  Of course, if the process goes perfectly then any title company can do the job, but since in the real world we know things don’t always go as planned, you should have an attorney at the table to ensure all the title work is done in your best interest.  All the attorney fees are in the title cost that you are paying anyway, so why not work with an attorney and bring the protection that representation brings? 

For most buyers, the question of the hour is “How much can I really afford to spend?”  A good lender will let you know what the bank says you can afford, and we work with excellent lenders who can assist you with this step.   Once you know what amount you are pre-qualified for, you have to decide on what you are comfortable spending each month on a mortgage payment.  To make this decision you need to consider your lifestyle and think about how you still want to be able to eat out, go to the movies and do some shopping.   

Think as well about long-term goals, such as retirement savings, and long-term discretionary spending goals, such as vacations.  Then look at the number the lender gives you and the number you feel comfortable with for a monthly house payment and then go with the lower of the two.   

We’ve just addressed a few of the most common questions buyers have about the process, but there’s a lot more to think about when looking for a home.  The list of questions the buyer should have in hand is very comprehensive.  To get started, click here to see the full list of 100 Questions Buyers Should Ask.

If you are thinking about buying or selling your home, we’re available to answer all the questions you may have.  You can reach us at 717.701.8690 or REALTORisn@aol.com.  We’d be happy to assist you.