Looking for a new home takes a lot of research and a lot of time. Don’t let all your efforts go to waste by not having the right information as you are house hunting. Your real estate agent is a great resource to gain information from so don’t be afraid to ask them any questions you have.

Below are some questions that we think you should ask your real estate agent before saying yes to that dream home.Zion Realtor

Where is the house really located?

There is nothing more devastating than moving into your new home only to find it flooded two months later after some heavy rain. Before signing the contract, ask your real estate agent whether or not the home you are looking at is in a flood or fire zone. Even if there are no prominent signs of floods or fires, certain areas are still vulnerable for them to occur. Knowing whether or not your home is located in these areas will help you decide what you want to.

Who are the sellers?

Asking your real estate agent about the sellers of a home can give you a lot of information on the home itself. Knowing the reasons as to why they’re selling and how motivated they are to sell can also help in the negotiation process. If the sellers are eager to sell due to infrastructure reasons there may be some underlying issue with the home that you may need to look out for. If they are moving across the country then they may be more likely to agree to negotiate on the prices. 

Ask for references and quotes

Even if the home that you’re looking at is amazing, you’re bound to do some sort of repair. Your real estate agent is a great resource to ask in terms of references for suppliers, inspectors, contractors, or whoever else you may need to make your dream house a reality. Your real estate agent has seen numerous homes in all conditions and can place a quote for certain properties so that you can better understand the potential costs it would take for you to repair the house. Don’t hesitate to ask them, a good real estate agent should be able to make these suggestions and be happy to do so. 

HOA who?

In short, the Home Owner’s Association (HOA) is a planned community that enforces rules to the property and its residents within a certain area. Their goal is to upkeep the community and ensure that the neighborhood looks as good as it can in order to potentially increase the home values. If you’re not interested in taking part in an HOA, ask your realtor about whether or not your home is located in one. Knowing this information beforehand can save you from paying the fees and following the restrictions placed by the HOA board of directors.  

Your real estate agent, especially if you have a Zion realtor, wants to help you find your perfect home so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. If you continue to ask objective questions and do research on the homes that you’re looking at, then you are bound to find the perfect home for you.  

Best of luck on your home buying journey.

-The Zion Team