It’s a thrilling adventure, but buying a property in Sunnyvale, California, isn’t without its share of pressure. Because you’re spending tens of thousands of dollars on a piece of real estate and considering just as many factors: I’m worried about termites. Does a sewage backup occur? When do I have to pay my share of the HOA?
The stakes are high, so we spoke with real estate professionals to learn what questions we should ask while making a home purchase. Keep reading if interested, or use the links below to get to specific sections.
How much will it all cost me?
House prices are seldom what they say on the sign outside unless the buyer pays cash. Even if you’re planning on paying for your house entirely out of pocket, it’s still important to factor in the recurring expenses. It’s also important to remember that there are so many variables that it’s rare to know the total price until much later. However, you can at least approximate it.
When did you put your house up for sale?
Steelman says to ask your realtor about it immediately if you want to know how long the home has been on the market. She argues that there must be some problems with the property since it has been on the market for a long time.
In most cases, it’s best to avoid making a fair offer on a home that has been on the market for less than 21 days. A reasonable offer made after 90 days may be less risky.
In the area, what have comparable houses sold for?
Answering this question will give you an idea of how your home stacks up against the others in the neighborhood. If you want your home’s worth to rise, it’s usually best to purchase the worst house in the best area rather than the prettiest house in a sketchy one. So, if your home is the priciest on the block, you may want to find out why.
Is there a specific reason why the seller has to leave?
This is a vital inquiry before purchasing a home since the answer might offer a wealth of information about the area. Some of the motivations for selling are clear, such as when the seller has a growing family, must move for work or is downsizing in preparation for retirement.
What Is the Average Monthly Bill for Utilities?
Don’t rush into a house purchase without finding out the yearly price of utilities. (Add the drainage system, sanitation, garbage collection, recycling, etc.) You can’t determine whether or not a property is affordable every month without first knowing the average cost of utilities in the area.
If you find that your power bills are excessive, you may wish to research eco-friendly options available to you or consider replacing worn-out appliances with Energy Star models. Both may help you save money and cut down on your energy use
Ask questions before you buy!
If this is your first time buying a home in Sunnyvale, California, you may feel awkward asking the seller or agent many questions. You can never be too cautious with your money, especially when dealing with the most significant purchase of your life. A lot of pain and expense can be avoided by asking the correct questions before making an offer on the house.
