Buying a house is one of the most significant transactions many people make. You want to make sure you’re truly happy with the property before the real estate closing. To learn more about a house and aid in negotiations, here’s what you should ask before finalizing the transaction.

What to Know Before Buying a Home

Why are the current owners moving out?

People relocate for numerous reasons. Ask why the seller plans to move. Depending on the answer, you might have leverage during negotiations.

This could be the case if the seller is moving to another state for work and needs to complete the real estate closing quickly. They might be willing to accept your requests or lower the asking price to avoid a lengthy process.

What are the utility payments?

In addition to property taxes and mortgage interests, paying monthly utilities is a cost that comes with house ownership. Ask the seller about average utility costs for the home to avoid surprises.

The information could shed light on underlying issues that need to be addressed. If heating and cooling costs seem suspiciously high for the area, this could indicate the HVAC system is not as efficient as it could be and might need repairs. When you have an itemized list of utilities, it will also be easier to create a budget to cover the monthly expenses. 

What does the sale include?

When you tour the house, don’t assume every feature you see will still be there on move-in day. Although you’re purchasing the physical structure, find out whether the seller will take any detachable fixtures with them.

This could include shutters, chandeliers, and appliances. You can work out who will keep these fixtures during negotiations.

When was the roof installed?

During a house inspection, a contractor will let you know the condition of the roofing system. Find out from the seller the exact age of the membrane. Even if the inspector gives the roof a clean bill of health, knowing its age will give you an idea of how many more years you have before it will need to be replaced. 

For legal assistance with real estate closings, contact Bernardini Law, P.C., in North Andover, MA. In practice since 2011, this attorney will help with negotiations, prepare real estate agreements, and review titles and additional documents to complete the sale. Get a closer look at the lawyer’s background online, or call (978) 794-5525 to begin the real estate closing process.