Having Trouble Committing To A Home? 3 Questions To Ask Your Agent

Sometimes, it can be hard to find a home that you like enough to commit to living there for months, years, or even decades. However, by having an honest conversation with your real estate agent, you can gain a new perspective, and potentially see that home in a new light. Here are three questions you should ask a real estate agent, and how their answers could be helpful. 

1. Has this home been on the market before? 

Understanding the home's history is important since it could give you clues about research other prospective buyers have done in the past. When a home has been on the market multiple times or seems to struggle with holding onto buyers, it could be a signal that the house isn't passing inspection, or isn't priced correctly. 

Ask your agent if the house has been on the market before and if it has been under contract recently. Ask your agent to reach out to the other real estate agents involved with the previous transactions, so they can understand more about the property. 

2. What do you like about the space? 

Real estate agents tour homes and evaluate listing details every day, so they have more experience finding great space and recognizing problems. Ask your agent what they honestly think of the listing, and what they like about the space. Sometimes, real estate agents may have insights about the home you may not have noticed, such as its proximity to public transit, neighborhood trends, or floorplan features. 

3. Do you think it will appreciate in value? 

Real estate can be an excellent wealth generator, especially if you purchase great properties in nice areas. After you have a home in mind that you like, ask your real estate agent if they think the place will appreciate in value or become more valuable over time. Ask about local pricing trends, plans for nearby buildings or roadways, and issues with zoning. If your real estate agent thinks the property would be a great investment, move forward with the purchase. You should also ask to look at previous valuations and property value history to gain a clearer idea of what the space could be worth. 

After you zero in on a great home, be open and honest with your real estate agent about how you are feeling. Submit an offer, be willing to negotiate, and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you could be living in a home you will love for many years to come.