What are Five Questions You Should Ask the Seller Before You Move In?

The day has come and it’s time to move into your new home!  It can be exciting and sometime exasperating.  You may have fallen in love with your new place but you may not know everything that there is to know about it.  Sooner or later you are bound to end up finding yourself cluelessly looking through the circuit breaker or petting the neighbor’s dog who may not be as friendly as you thought.  But these questions can be answered by asking the seller a few questions before you move in.

Are there any special quirks about the home? Only someone who has lived in the home will have a handle on any unique characteristics such as light switches in unexpected places, doors and windows that stick or other uncommon items. 

Have you made any repairs to the home in the past? Sellers are supposed to disclose any repairs to the home or issues relate but some past problems might not be disclosed. 

Where is the water shut-off valve, sump pump, circuit box, and more?  Ask the seller to show you not only the location of these items but how they work.  If you are moving into an older home, chances are that many of the utility features will be unique in their operations, so rather than fumble around blindly, ask the seller for help.

How is the neighborhood? Establish rapport between buyer and seller- this is best asked near the end of the buying process.  However, keep it light: ask the seller to tell you about the neighborhood.

Is there anything you want to leave behind? It may not help you get to know the house but it might result in a few bonus items.  Maybe you have your eye on a piece of art or a mounted tv.  It’s worth asking the seller if they are willing to part with any items.