Touring a house? Ask these or regret it later! 🏡

House shopping is a big step, so you want to make sure you do it right. I was lucky to have a great real estate agent who made sure everything went smoothly and all the right questions were asked. Here are a few that stood out to me and might help you during your own search:

- How long has the house been on the market? Weeks? Months? You’ll want to know why it hasn’t sold yet. How many offers came before yours, and why didn’t they go through? Don’t be afraid to dig a little!

- How old is the furnace? Will anything need replacing soon? The last thing you want are surprise home expenses, especially on big appliances, right after moving in (trust me, been there 😅). Everything worked out in the end, but if you want the full story, check out my post “Unexpected Home Expenses.”

- How much are the HOA fees, what do they cover, and what’s the yearly increase? I wish I’d asked more about this during my own search. If you’re buying a condo or townhome, this is key info to know. The price I was quoted before moving in wasn’t quite the same afterward.

- Any plumbing issues or leaks to know about? Always flush the toilets and check the plumbing yourself during the tour. A good inspector will catch these things and include them in your report (mine did!), but it never hurts to ask the seller about the history behind any issues.

- What’s the neighborhood like? Quiet, loud, friendly? Are there schools nearby? Sometimes a quick drive around during different times of day can give you a better feel for the area. Better yet, ask a neighbor! The Nextdoor app is also great for real-time neighborhood reviews.

At the end of the day, you want to speak up and advocate for yourself, also lean on your agent for guidance. It’s not just about finding a house that looks nice, it’s about choosing one that’s safe, solid, and truly feels like home. 🏡

#buyingahome #lemon8diaries #lemon8tea #homeowner #lemon8challenge