Howard Hanna Real Estate Services are set to host the Big Spring Open House Event this weekend. This exclusive opportunity can help potential home buyers figure out exactly what do and do not want in their home. Over two days, there will be thousands of homes that will be ready to tour. But as you go through each home, you’ll surely have questions. Here are five questions you should take into consideration.
1. How old are the major systems and appliances?
It’s important to know how old major systems and appliances are in a house. Making sure that you’re aware of their age and how often they were serviced is crucial. Ask about the age of the roof, HVAC, water heater and kitchen appliances. These are big-ticket items, and knowing their condition can help you estimate any future costs.
2. What’s included in the sale?
When you tour homes, sometimes it can be confusing knowing what is going to stay and what is going to go. In order to skip this confusion, ask what stays with the home. From appliances to window treatments to fixtures or even outdoor structures. Skip the surprises and get an answer early.
3. What are the average utility costs?
When you buy a home, the expenses obviously don’t stop. You want to be aware of what that average utility prices are going to be so you can factor them into your monthly expenses. Understanding these expenses like electricity, gas, water and trash can reveal whether the home fits your long-term budget.
4. Have there been any recent renovations or repairs?
All houses are going to need work at some point. But when that work is done and who did it can matter. Find out what has been done and whether it was professionally completed with permits. This can affect both safety and resale value.
5. What is the neighborhood like at different times of day?
This is an important piece of the puzzle for many home buyers. What is the neighborhood like during different parts of the day. Sometimes the best way to figure this question out can be to visit the area during mornings, evenings and weekends to get a true feel for noise, traffic and activity levels. But during the Big Open House Event, all you have to do is ask.
Conclusion
It’s always important to ask questions. These small inquiries can make a huge difference in the home buying process. If you’re looking to start your home buying search, this weekend will provide a great opportunity for you. Visit homes all across Howard Hanna’s footprint during the Big Open House Event all weekend. For more information, read our story on the Spring Big Open House Event.
About Howard Hanna
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proudly provides real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance services across 15 states. As the largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage in the United States, Howard Hanna operates more than 500 offices with 15,000 sales associates and staff. The company’s proprietary Hanna Success System helps its agents achieve 53% more business than agents at the top 1000 brokerages nationally. Learn more at www.HowardHanna.com.
