Open houses are a valuable tool for home buyers. You can view a property in a low-pressure environment, and you can usually take as much time as you need. One of the biggest perks is talking to the listing agent and going through your questions to ask at an open house. You can find out about the sellers and their motivations for moving and get vital information about the property that might not be on the listing.

#1: Why is the house for sale? Knowing the reasons why the homeowner is selling can give you a lot of information. It can point you toward potential pitfalls of the home and provide you with guidance when submitting your offer. If you know there’s a job opportunity looming, the seller could be pressed for time — and submitting a quick offer could help you get the home.

#2: Has the seller made any DIY renovations? Ask the agent about any renovations that were done to the home, especially ones done by the homeowner. These are more likely to have issues down the road. Plus, they could create a code violation if they didn’t get the proper permits.

#3: What’s the neighborhood like? Loving the home is just one part of the equation. You also want to love the community it’s located in. Ask the agent about the surrounding neighborhood — its amenities, the people who live there, and what businesses and services are in the area.

#4: What utilities does the home have and their cost? This is an essential question if you want an energy-efficient home. Find out if the home uses natural gas, solar energy, electricity, or a combination. Ask about the heating and cooling systems and for an estimate of all monthly utility costs.

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