10 Questions You Wish You’d Asked Before You Moved In
When you’re buying a house, there’ll be that moment when your realtor, eager to help, asks what questions you have. With a headful of mortgage rates, flood zones and load-bearing walls, all you’ll be able to come up with is “I can’t think of any!” That’s where we come in.
If you bought a house with no maintenance issues, big or small— well, that didn’t happen. In the real world, most home buyers find an unexpected issue within their first few months of ownership. To ferret out your home’s potential trouble spots and head them off at the pass, all you need to do is ask the less-common questions, then you’ll be prepared to handle the issues when the time comes.
#1 Has there ever been a busted pipe?
A broken pipe isn't rare but water damage caused by a busted pipe is a leading cause of insurance claims. Here in Tampa we don’t have to be too concerned about frozen pipes but old washing machine hoses are often the culprit. Make sure washing machine hoses are in good condition and, if necessary, replace with brass-fitted braided steel hoses. They’re much stronger and longer lasting than rubber hoses. The big fallout from water damage is moisture behind drywall and trim, which virtually always leads to mold. If you know there’s been a major leak, a mold remediation pro will tell you if mold is present and how to get rid of it.
#2 When was the septic tank last pumped?
A typical septic system should be pumped every 3-5 years, but the number of people in the house can affect that recommendation. A pumping costs $200 to $300.
#3 Any termites, carpenter ants or other pests?
This must be disclosed by the previous owner, but even if the owner dealt with an infestation and can offer proof, such as a receipt for pest control, it doesn’t mean the problem has been totally eliminated. Whatever conditions made your house ripe for infestation in the first place may still be present. Plus, many infestations aren’t confined to one house. It could be a neighborhood-wide problem. The cost of a termite treatment around the perimeter of a 2,500 square foot house runs $1,700-$3,200 and repairs to framing, sheathing and siding can run from hundreds to thousands. Here’s what to do:
Ask neighbors about any problems they've had with pests.
Seal cracks and holes around your house.
Keep attics and crawl spaces dry and well-ventilated.
Make sure gutters and downspouts are in good repair.
Make sure the soil around your foundation slopes away from your house at least 6 inches over a 10-foot distance.
Repair or replace any rotted wood.
Keep lumber piles at least 20 feet from your home.
#4 Any paranormal or otherwise weird activity?
Maybe you’d rather not know for fear you couldn’t deal with it. Maybe you’re secretly hoping it’s a yes for the sake of party conversation. Either way, ask. Stigmatized houses are homes that were the site of happenings like paranormal activity, murder or suicide, or death by accident or unusual disease. Homes used as drug labs are also in the “stigmatized” category.
Florida does not require sellers to disclose that their home was the site of a homicide, suicide or unusual death so you should ask about these stigmas if it’s important to you. If the seller reveals the house to be stigmatized, you’ll have negotiating power. A stigmatized house generally sells for 10%-25% below market value.
#5 What are the monthly utility costs?
You can’t get away from paying utilities but you can find out what your budget is up against. Be sure to get an average cost, not just the lowest monthly bill. Ask what kind of energy sources the appliances use— gas, electric, propane or some combination. That'll help you understand where you might upgrade to save energy costs. And remember, energy savings start with simple tasks like sealing air leaks.
#6 Has the sewer ever backed up?
As properties age and trees get bigger, roots find their way into sewer lines between a house and the street, causing clogs. It's a mess for sure, and most homeowner insurance policies don't cover damage from backed-up sewers. Plan to have the sewer line cleared (about $150) every other year. For $40-$50 per year, you can add an endorsement to your insurance policy to cover damage from a backed-up sewer.
#7 Is there documentation on warranties?
If the previous owners were conscientious enough to stash warranties and appliance manuals, be sure to get them. Look for purchase dates on major appliances. If you're ready to upgrade, you can identify which appliances are least energy-efficient and target those first.
Pro Tip: Keep all warranty cards and product manuals yourself. If you decide to sell, those records show you care about your house and become a marketing asset.
#8 Is the attic generously insulated?
After sealing air leaks, insulation is one of the best ways to gain efficiency. Knowing how much insulation you have lets you decide if an investment in more insulation is worth the cost. The US Department of Energy recommends adding more insulation to your attic if the thickness is less than 11 inches.
Is the seller unsure? Peek in the attic. If you can see the tops of the ceiling joists, you should budget an insulation upgrade. If insulation was installed between the rafters and you can see the edges, you can beef it up by covering over the rafters with rigid insulating foam board.
#9 How big is the water heater?
To avoid a whole lot of icy misery, make sure your water heater is big enough to cover the needs of your household. Most water heaters have a life expectancy of about 13 years. A new high-efficiency water heater costs about $1,500 depending on the size and model you choose.
#10 Will my truck fit in the garage?
It's a fairly common doh! moment. Many garages are too low to accommodate the height of newer vehicles. Cabinets and workbenches can shorten garage space too, making length an issue. With full-size SUVs and trucks nearly 20 feet long and seven feet tall when equipped with a roof rack, sizing up garage space is a good idea before you buy.
Carrie Rowland is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative,® Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist,® Military Relocation Professional,® Graduate of the Realtor Institute® and a Realtor-Associate at RE/MAX Alliance Group in South Tampa
