As you search through Ridgewood homes for sale, you'll probably visit an open house or two. Open houses are a lot of fun, but you must remember that the experience is also about preparing for a business transaction.
To help you get the most out of your next open house, our agents have come up with a few questions that you should ask:
How Long Has the House Been Listed?
The first thing you may want to ask during an open house is how long the property has been listed. Housing sales are still brisk, but some properties do last longer on the market than others. Depending on the answer you get, you may want to ask some follow-up questions about any concerning issues.
Are the Appliances Included?
Whether or not a homebuyer wants appliances included with the purchase depends on the person. Many buyers prefer that appliances are already included, while some want to go out and buy brand-new appliances that they hand-select themselves. You may actually be able to negotiate whether or not the appliances come with the home, along with how much it will impact the price.
Is There a Homeowners Association?
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are a very mixed bag. An HOA is meant to maintain the look and appeal of a neighborhood, but some can be restrictive. If the agent tells you that the home is controlled by an HOA, it's a good idea to swing by their office, grab a copy of the regulations, and give them a thorough review.
Are There Any Other Bidders?
Very often, a newly listed house will receive offers as soon as it lands on the market, but the sellers will wait to see if more offers come in before accepting one. The problem is that if you decide to submit an offer that's lower than what you would actually pay but also lower than what others have offered, they could reject it out of hand. However, if you know that there are no other bidders, you can submit a lower offer, and the seller is more likely to negotiate.
What Else Stays with the House?
When you tour a house, it's sometimes difficult to tell exactly what's going to stay and what will be gone when the new owners move in. You need to ask about any items that aren't physically attached to the house. Yes, this even includes a garden, gazebo, and even a hot tub. There are some situations where a homeowner will have big items extracted and moved to their new property.
What's the Neighborhood Like?
The perfect home goes far beyond vaulted ceilings and a large kitchen island. You also want to be living in an area that will fit your needs. Ask the real estate agent what the neighborhood is like. You may also want to inquire about any planned projects in the immediate area. Pro tip: Drive through the neighborhood at night to get a good feel.
Can I See a Copy of the Disclosure?
As you're probably aware, sellers are required to list all known material defects for a property that's put on the market. This is all written in what's called a disclosure statement. During an open house, the real estate agent should have a few copies of the disclosure agreement available if you'd like to ask for one. You'll find information such as the roof's age, termite treatments, lead-based paint usage, etc.
Asking these questions will help you find your dream home. Contact us for the newest listings and to find out about our next open house in the Ridgewood area.
