The Ultimate List of Questions to Ask at an Open House
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by Richard Morrison
- January 2, 2020
- Buying
- 0
Visiting open houses is a crucial part of the home buying process. Walking through a property provides invaluable first-hand perspective and the opportunity to ask in-depth questions.
This comprehensive guide provides over 60 open house questions to include in your arsenal, with tips to digging deeper in each key area.
Key Takeaway
Preparing pertinent questions for open houses uncovers vital home details not in listings. Ask about seller motivations, renovation history, included appliances, property disclosures, utility costs, pest issues, HOAs, and school districts. Tailor questions room-by-room. Get the inside scoop to make informed decisions.
Read More:
- How to Interview a Realtor When Selling a Home
- House Hunting Checklist
- Things to Look For In a Realtor
- How to Choose Listing Agent
- Important Items to Do When You Plan to Sell Your Home
- What You Need to Know Before Making an Offer on a Home in Canada
Background Questions To Ask Real Estate Agent While House Hunting
- Why are the sellers moving? Relocation? New build? Financial reasons? Knowing motivations provides useful context on their timeline and price flexibility.
- How long has the home been listed? New listings often sell quickly if priced well. Anything over 90 days could signal an undesirable property or stubborn seller.
- Has the price changed or been reduced? Significant drops may indicate weak demand. Research the original list price and any reductions.
- Have there been any offers? Active competing offers mean you’ll need to bid competitively. No current offers allow more bargaining power.
- Why were past offers rejected? This reveals if sellers are unreasonable or have specific contingencies they require.
- Are there any existing contingencies? Probe what terms sellers may reject related to inspections, financing, appraisal, etc.
- What contingencies are sellers making? For example, do they have contingencies around timing for finding a new home?
Key Questions About Renovation and Repair
- Have there been any renovations or upgrades done? Ask to see permits ensuring work was legally completed.
- Who did the work? Major remodels should be professionally done, not DIY projects.
- Have there been any repairs needed? Probe about any past issues that required fixes. Look for red flags.
- Has anything broken down recently? Find out about recent repair needs even if considered minor.
- May I see the property disclosures? Sellers must disclose known defects. Review for any concealed red flags.
- Does anything need repair now? Check if sellers are aware of anything currently needing repair or replacement.
- Why are renovations being done? Cosmetic upgrades or issues needing resolution?
Inclusions and Appliances Questions To Always Ask
- What’s included in the sale? Ensure features or fixtures you desire aren’t being removed.
- Do appliances convey? Avoid assumptions. Confirm kitchen, laundry, etc. appliances are included.
- If included, how old are appliances? Check if they are under warranty and fully functional.
- Do window treatments convey? Blinds, curtains, etc. can be costly to replace.
- Are lawn equipment and tools included? Snowblower, lawnmower, etc. if relevant.
Neighborhood and Location Questions To Ask At An Open House
- How’s the neighborhood? Ask about safety, noise, nuisances, community feel, and local amenities.
- Are there any planned developments? Upcoming construction could affect future enjoyment and home value.
- Is there a Strata? Get details on rules, fees, and restrictions if so.
- Which school district is it in? Research options, ratings, and offerings if you have children.
- Is the area walkable? Check if stores, parks, restaurants, etc. are in close range.
- Is public transportation readily available nearby? Important if you don’t drive.
- Are highways easily accessible? Key for commuters.
- What’s the airport proximity? Relevant for frequent travelers.
Utilities and Energy Efficiency Questions
- How much are utility costs? Ask for actual estimates to gauge real monthly expenses.
- When were utilities last updated? Seek info on age of electrical, roof, HVAC systems to gauge lifespans left.
- What’s the hot water system? Tank vs tankless affects energy efficiency.
- Are there energy-saving features? Smart thermostats, insulation, solar, etc.
- What’s the average temperature cost in winter? And summer?
- Has an energy audit been done? If so, request the results.
- Does anything leak? Check for drafts around doors/windows, pipe drips, etc.
Questions To Ask About Operation and Maintenance
- Any moisture or foundation problems? Probe about past water damage, cracks, leaks.
- Does the septic/sewage system work well? Flush toilets and check water pressure.
- Does the sump pump run frequently? This signals issues.
- Have there been sewer line problems? Request camera inspection results if done.
- How old is the water heater? Check closeness to typical lifespan (8-12 years).
- When was HVAC last serviced? Ask for maintenance records.
- Have pest control services been needed? Termites? Rodents? Bug problems?
- Are there recurring plumbing issues? Red flag pointing to potential larger issues.
Best Questions To Ask Room-by-Room
As you tour, ask targeted questions by room:
Kitchen
- Have there been any leaks? Probe plumbing issue history.
- Is the kitchen equipment gas or electric? What’s condition?
- When were countertops and cabinets last updated? Check for wear and age.
- Does the kitchen ventilation work well? Test hood fan strength.
Bathrooms
- Any past mold problems? Look for trouble signs of poor ventilation.
- How’s the water pressure? Test sinks, showers, tubs for satisfaction.
- Have showers/tubs been re-caulked and re-grouted? Check condition.
- Do sinks/tubs drain quickly? Slow draining indicates clogs.
- When were fixtures last updated? Note age of sinks, toilets, vanities.
Bedrooms
- Is carpet new or old? Request age and condition.
- Do floors creak? Could signal structural deficiencies.
- Did you modify closet layouts? Check usable space.
- Is furniture positioning workable? Test with your own layout.
Living Areas
- Can I measure windows for new treatments? Ensure proper sizing.
- What’s the ceiling height? Impacts sense of space.
- What changes have been made? Walls moved? Layout altered?
Basement
- Does the basement leak? Signs of water damage or musty smell?
- Are windows egress for safety? Important if finishing basement.
- Does radon mitigation exist? If not, test radon levels.
Backyard
- Is the property on a flood zone? Requirement for flood insurance.
- Does the yard drain well? Signs of puddling or drainage issues?
- Who handles snow removal? Critical if shoveling is difficult for you.
Seller Motivations and Price Questions
- How soon are sellers looking to close? Ask about their flexibility and move timeline.
- Are sellers willing to negotiate on price? Get insight on where they stand firm or flexible.
- Are sellers in a rush to sell? Motivated sellers may favor quick offers over highest.
- Have sellers found their new home already? Purchased contingency may be involved if so.
- Are there any “must haves” in an offer? Chance to understand their priorities.
Ask These Before You Visit
Arm yourself with context by asking your agent for background info before attending open houses:
- What are similar homes selling for? Request comps for pricing perspective.
- How many days has this been listed? Duration impacts negotiating power.
- Why are the sellers moving? Any insights your agent has on motivation.
- Are there positives and negatives about the area? Get your agent’s neighborhood perspective.
Top Open House Questions Checklist
Print this checklist to bring hard questions to open houses:
Background Info
- Why moving?
- Days on market?
- Price changes?
- Past offers and rejections?
- Contingencies accepted/made?
Renovations & Repairs
- Upgrades done? Permits?
- DIY or professional?
- Needed repairs? Fixed issues?
- Property disclosures?
Inclusions & Appliances
- What’s included? Not included?
- Appliances included? Ages? Issues?
Neighborhood
- Safety? Amenities? Community?
- Upcoming changes?
- HOA details? School district reputation?
Utilities Costs & Efficiency
- Utility cost estimates?
- Age of roof, electric, HVAC?
- Energy audit? Known issues?
Operations & Maintenance
- Foundation, moisture, leak issues?
- Septic/sewage operation?
- Sump pump usage?
- Past clogs, breakages?
Room-by-Room
- Kitchen: Plumbing, ventilation notes?
- Bathrooms: Water pressure, drainage speed?
- Basement: Leaks, egress compliance?
- Bedrooms: Measurements, floor noise?
- Backyard: Drainage, flood risk, pests?
Seller Motivations
- Flexibility on timeline?
- Price negotiation willingness?
- Dealbreakers or must-haves?
Q: What questions should I ask during an open house?
A: When attending an open house, there are certain important questions you need to ask the listing agent or real estate agent. These include how long has the home been on the market, if offers have already been made on the property, what condition is the home in, and if a market analysis has been done. Additionally, you may want to ask about any potential buyers that have already seen the home, as well as what repairs or renovations have been done recently.
Q: How can I make sure to ask all the right questions when attending an open house?
A: Before attending an open house, it’s a good idea to do some research and come up with 14 important questions to ask. This could include finding out about utility costs for energy and water, if there is a Strata in place, whether disclosure documents have been provided by the seller’s agent and if so what they say, whether you would be able to move quickly into the home once you make an offer etc.
Q: What types of specific questions should I ask when talking to the listing agent at an Open House?
A: When talking to the listing agent at an Open House it’s important to give them a good understanding of why you’re looking for a new home and your financial situation. Specific questions could include asking if any offers have already come in on this property or others like it in this area; how long has it been on the market; what condition is it in compared with similar properties in similar neighborhoods; has a market analysis been done; who will be doing any inspections needed before closing etc.
Q: How do I know which offers are currently on table for this home?
A: To find out which offers are currently on table for this particular home you will need talk directly with either your realtor or talk directly with the listing agent at an open house. They will be able too provide detailed information regarding any current bids for this property.
Q: What kind of disclosures has seller’s provided from their listing?
A: The seller’s disclosure from their listing should provide details regarding any known defects or issues with their property. It’s important that potential buyers take time during their open house visit review these documents carefully so they know exactly what they’re getting into before making any kind of offer.
Conclusion
Open houses are a great way to learn more about the property you are interested in buying. During the open house, there are key questions that home buyers should always ask. The top ten questions to ask include: the asking price, if it has been on the market for a long time, any code violations or structural problems, if the seller’s disclosure from the listing is available, what condition it is in, and any other questions that you may have.
It is also a good idea to ask the agent hosting the open house if they have any information on recent home inspections, as this can give you a good understanding of what repairs may be needed. Additionally, it is important to ask the seller why they are selling and how long they have lived in the home. This will help you to gain an understanding of whether or not they have taken care of any maintenance or repair issues that may have come up during their tenure.
Finally, make sure to ask up front how long it has been since the home was last inspected and if there is anything else an agent can find out before your next open house visit. By asking these questions at an open house you will gain valuable insight into whether or not this house is right for you.
Ready to turn your real estate dreams into reality? Contact Richard Morrison, Vancouver’s top realtor with 20+ years of experience. As a Medallion Club member and RE/MAX Hall of Fame award winning agent, he’s the expert you need on your side. Whether buying, selling, or investing, Richard’s personalized approach and deep market insights ensure a successful transaction. Reach out to Richard today at (778) 900-2235 and make your real estate journey seamless and rewarding.
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