Yahoo Finance Home Sellers Hate When You Ask These 6 Questions
Buying a home is one of the major financial decisions you’ll make in your life. And it’s a moment when using your detective skills is essential.
Asking the right questions to home sellers can unveil issues you otherwise wouldn’t have known about — and could potentially change your mind on buying the house. The tricky part is knowing exactly what to ask.
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Luckily, GOBankingRates asked experts to weigh in. Read below for their top recommendations on questions you should prepare when buying a home.
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Have There Been Any Property Insurance Claims?
“As the owner of two independent insurance agencies in Florida, I’ve seen firsthand how asking the right questions can uncover essential information that sellers might not disclose,” said Paul Schneider, president of Schneider and Associates Insurance. “One critical question to ask is, ‘Have there been any insurance claims on the property?’ This can reveal past issues like water or fire damage.”
In fact, Schneider has seen firsthand how important it is to ask this question. “For example, I’ve seen cases where repeated flood damage claims were not disclosed, only for the buyer to find mold issues later. Understanding the property’s claim history can help you anticipate potential problems,” he said.
Kristin Hintlian, co-owner of Bonsai Builders, agreed that this is a necessary question to ask, as it can reveal past damages or issues that were significant enough to require an insurance claim.
“An example from a project we managed involved a home where a previous claim concealed extensive water damage from a burst pipe,” she said.
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What Are the Average Utility and Maintenance Costs?
It’s also crucial to ask what the average utility and maintenance costs are, according to Schneider.
“Sellers may often understate these expenses,” he noted. “We’ve had clients shocked by high utility bills due to aging HVAC systems or poor insulation. Knowing these costs upfront helps in budgeting accurately and avoids unpleasant surprises once you move in.”
Hintlian agreed. “This helps understand the ongoing expenses associated with the property,” she said. “Once, during a project, we discovered that a home with poor insulation had exorbitant heating costs — something the seller hadn’t disclosed voluntarily.”
Dennis Shirshikov, head of growth at Summer, said that understanding the ongoing costs of maintaining a property is essential for budgeting, yet sellers might downplay or omit these details.
“By requesting utility bills and maintenance records, buyers can get a realistic picture of what living in the home will cost,” he said.
Can You Provide Documentation for Recent Repairs or Renovations?
According to experts, you should always ask for documentation for recent repairs or renovations.
“This ensures that all modifications were done legally and up to code,” Schneider said. “I’ve seen properties where unpermitted work led to significant future costs for the new owners.
“For instance, an improperly renovated electrical system can be a safety hazard and a financial burden. Documentation helps verify the quality and legality of the work performed.”
Shirshikov noted that sellers might be reluctant to disclose the full extent of past repairs and renovations because it could reveal underlying issues with the property. “However, knowing this history is crucial for buyers to understand the true condition of the home,” he said.
Are There Any Pending or Past Disputes With Neighbors or the HOA?
It’s also important to ask about any disputes the seller might’ve encountered.
“Sellers might not voluntarily disclose conflicts with neighbors or homeowner associations (HOAs), which can be significant red flags,” Shirshikov said. “Asking directly can reveal issues that might make living in the property less desirable.”
What’s the Reason for Selling the House?
While it might seem intrusive, Shirshikov said that understanding the seller’s motivation can provide valuable context.
“Sellers might avoid this question to prevent revealing factors that could be detrimental to the sale,” he said. “For example, if the sellers are moving due to noise or an upcoming undesirable development project, knowing this can influence the buyer’s decision-making process.”
What’s the Neighborhood Like in Terms of Noise and Safety?
Sellers might downplay issues, but asking directly can lead to more honest discussions, Hintlian said. “We’ve renovated homes in supposedly quiet areas that later turned out to be near popular nightlife spots, significantly affecting the new owners’ quality of life,” she explained.
Shirshikov agreed. “Sellers might not be forthcoming about neighborhood issues like noise, crime rates or ongoing construction projects that could affect your living experience,” he said.
“Asking these questions helps buyers make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls,” Hintlian explained. “In my experience, transparency is key to ensuring satisfaction and peace of mind for new homeowners.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Home Sellers Hate When You Ask These 6 Questions
