Points To Consider When Viewing

In addition to comparing the home to your minimum requirement and wish lists, you may want to consider the following: Is there enough room for both the present and the future? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Is the house structurally sound? Do the mechanical systems and appliances work? Is the yard big enough? Do you like the layout?

• Will your furniture fit in the space?
• Is there enough storage space? (Bring a tape measure to better answer these questions.)
• Does anything need to repaired or replaced? Will the seller repair or replace the items?
• Imagine the house in good weather and bad.
• Will you be happy with it year-round?

Many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance (e.g., paint, roof, appliances, carpet)? Also ask about the house and neighborhood, focusing on quality of life issues. Be sure the seller's or real estate agent's answers are clear and complete. Ask questions until you understand all of the information they've given. Making a list of questions ahead of time will help you organize your thoughts and arrange all of the information you receive.