Buying a home is a very important step in your life, so you want to make sure you are ready and you are choosing the right property. So before you make an offer, answer these questions through your real estate agent or the current homeowner. 
1. How much are the other homes selling for in the area?
This is a great question for your real estate agent. They know the current local market inside and out. They can give you the comps for homes that have sold over the past year that are similar to the home you want to purchase.
2. Are there any health or safety concerns?
This is very important when dealing with an older home. These homes can have lead paint, radon, mold and asbestos. Ask the seller for documentation on these health risks and be prepared to pay for specialized testing.
3. What are the monthly utility costs?
It is not just your monthly mortgage payment that you have to budget for when you purchase a home. You also have to consider the cost of living and unexpected repairs and circumstances that pop up. Ask the current homeowner for the utility bills for the last six months so you can estimate how much you should budget.
4. Why is the seller leaving?
This is a great question but you may not always get an answer. Hiring a real estate agent can help you with this by gathering information for you. The selling agent and buying agent can discuss if the seller is downsizing, relocating or there is another reason for the sale.
5. Are natural disasters an issue in the area?
This can determine the price of your homeowners’ insurance. If you are in a flood zone, then you will need special flood insurance. If you live in California, then you will need to have earthquake insurance.
6. How old is the roof of the house?
To replace a roof or just repair one, can really eat away at your finances. A roof usually will last anywhere between 15 to 30 years. If you are purchasing a home, make sure that the roof is not too old. During the counteroffer, you can negotiate a price for a new roof as a contingency to the sale.
7. What comes with the home?
This might sound strange, especially if you are a first-time home buyer, but this is something to know before you close. Ask about appliances such as the washer/dryer and refrigerator. Also, the opposite can happen if the seller leaves something behind that you did not want.
Remember if you are in the market to purchase a home you want to contact a local real estate agent. An agent can not only help get the answer for you to these questions but also can get the down low on the seller.
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