Questions to ask when looking at a house to buy

[easinpc]

I am going to look at another house this weekend to purchase and am needing help on my list of questions to ask. I have looked at several houses before but am drawing major blanks when I'm making my list. This house is out in the country so I have on my list to ask about the lp and septic and road maintenance (how often/how good/who/etc), but could use some other suggestions!

The house is in the same area I currently live in so I already know the schools, neighborhood, town, etc.

[mommyredrose23]

I don't know, but we'll be buying our first house soon and I'd like to read what others contribute.

So, bump! :)

[babyspots17]

Who are you asking are you having it inspected or just talking to the owners and realtor?

[babyspots17]

What year built any upgrades or additions?
Windows, siding, roof how old?
Septic and water on well or town?
Age of furnace and a/c any maintenance?
Taxes? What are the utilities like?
Road care maintenance private or county?

[FooLynRoo]

Are you one city water, or are they aware of a requirement to become?

(some people actually DO sell their houses when faced with a huge bill to go over to city water)

__

any fires

any floods

Any major structural issues

last time a termite inspection was done

age of roof

age of heating and cooling appliances

any deaths you know about in the house

Make sure you get a very thourough inspection if you make an offer, and walk the inspection with him and make sure he tells you everything he's looking at and why.

[FooLynRoo]

Oh you always ask why they are selling, and try to sound casual

an estate or divorce - means you can probably low ball.

[pampire]

Good advice!  We just bought a house from an estate for 9k less than the asking price.

Quoting FooLynRoo:

Oh you always ask why they are selling, and try to sound casual

an estate or divorce - means you can probably low ball.

[FooLynRoo]

We got ours as a result of an unfortunate divorce.. and thanks to my real estate hooving, although it was only on the market for 30 days with the current realtor I knew from drive bys and online searches it had been up for sale with previous brokers for at least 120 days.

LOL

BONUS!

Quoting pampire:

Good advice!  We just bought a house from an estate for 9k less than the asking price.

Quoting FooLynRoo:

Oh you always ask why they are selling, and try to sound casual

an estate or divorce - means you can probably low ball.

[pampire]

If it's on a well ask if they have maintenance records, is there a back up genny, when was the last time it was tested for contamination, what's it's flow rate?

If on septic when was it last serviced? Is it permitted with the county? Is it approved for the current # of bedrooms?

Are there any restrictive covenenats or easements on the parcel?

What's the zoning? It's country now but will Wal-Mart or another big box store be moving in 5 years down the road and changing the whole feel of the place?
 

[pampire]

That reminds me!  OP should check the web for sites like redfin or Zillow and determine what the house's estimated value is and what it last sold for and how long it's been on the market.  All good stuff to have tucked into your bargaining arsenal.

[easinpc]

 This I already know since I went to school with both of the owners.  Him and her both had their own houses before getting married and hers was bigger and in town so they are selling his. 

Quoting FooLynRoo:

Oh you always ask why they are selling, and try to sound casual

an estate or divorce - means you can probably low ball.