Purchasing a home is a financial commitment that can affect you and your household for a lifetime. Knowing the right
questions to ask ahead of time can help you choose a property best fitting your needs. 

Why is the home being sold? 

Before purchasing a home, it’s essential to inquire about the reason the seller has decided to sell the property.
Your real estate agent will check this information ahead of time to ensure the seller isn’t leaving the property due
to issues that could negatively affect the next homeowner.

Common reasons for home sellers to leave include needing to upsize living conditions to fit a larger household,
moving for new job opportunities, to be closer to older loved ones and more. 

What condition is the roof in? 

The age and condition of the roof can be a big factor on whether you’re getting a good deal on your home purchase or
not. The average life expectancy of a roof is around 25 to 50 years, depending on materials used and quality. 

It costs on average about $8,000 to replace a roof, so before moving into an older home, it’s crucial to know if such
replacements should be expected in the near future. 

How long has the home been listed for? 

Knowing how long a home has been listed on the real estate market can be a game changer in price negotiations. Many
home sellers want to get their property sold as quickly as possible.

If the home has been on the market for months, perhaps because of a high listing price, the seller may be open to
negotiating the price down to speed up their home selling journey, which can potentially save you thousands of
dollars. 

Even though buying a home can be an emotionally and financially pressing process, lean on your real estate agent to
help guide you through this journey.