Understanding the motivations for selling can be crucial to informing your decision (Image: Getty)
Buying a house is a significant investment, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed or swept up in the excitement of finding your dream , especially if you’re a first-time
But failing to ask the right questions can lead to unexpected and costly surprises.
A property expert has shared one crucial question every buyer should ask: ‘Why is the property being sold?’
Liam Cope, real estate agent at said: “Understanding the seller’s motivations can provide insight into pricing flexibility or potential issues with the property.”
He added: “Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions. It’s better to feel confident now than face surprises after moving in.”
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The expert has shared the crucial question to ask the seller before buying (Image: Getty)
If the seller is relocating for a job and needs to move quickly, they may be more flexible on price.
Conversely, if the property has been on the market for a long time, there may be underlying problems that you need to be aware of so asking why the property is being sold could prove to be a really valuable question to ask the seller.
Beyond this key question, there are other important other ones to ask, according to the expert.
Cope said to ask about any recent renovations or repairs to understand the property’s maintenance history to identify any hidden concerns and plan future costs.
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These questions could help you save money and predict future costs (Image: Getty)
Find out about the age of the roof, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing systems to find out about any future repairs that would be needed.
Look into the neighborhood’s characteristics during different times of the day, as noise levels, traffic, and community activity can vary.
Lastly, ensure there are no zoning restrictions or plans for nearby developments that could affect your property value and quality of life and clarify what’s included in the sale to avoid any surprises after moving in.
Inquire about the average utility costs to gauge energy efficiency and anticipate monthly expenses and check if there’s a homeowners’ association and what the fees and rules entail, as this could also impact your decision-making.
A recent survey has revealed that over 50% of recent homebuyers in the UK have expressed serious reservations about their decision, .
Asking detailed questions upfront can help you make confident and well-informed choices, ensuring your new home is everything you hoped for.