C&G Guide: What to Ask Your Agent Before Buying a House

Tips & Advice

From listing to inspection, that dream home is ticking all the boxes and you’re ready to buy. But even the savviest shopper amongst us will agree buying a home is no easy feat. There’s no refund or exchange policy you can fall back on, so you want to sign those papers with plenty of information supporting your choice. C&G are seasoned experts in property sales, and have compiled a list of thoughtful questions to ask your agent before committing to a sale.

What are your thoughts on this location?

The home itself could be perfect, but it’s equally important to consider your surrounds as well. What is the suburb like, and how does it suit your lifestyle? If you have children, you may consider street safety and accessibility to your child’s school. Your agent will have plenty of knowledge to answer your questions, and can help you determine whether the asking price is appropriate for the location.

Why is the property being sold?

It can be useful to understand the seller’s situation. They may have purchased another property and are waiting on funds from this sale. Or they could be relocating interstate or overseas. Either way, if it is urgent that means you could be in a better position to negotiate and leverage a better price. You should also ask how long the property has been on the market – it could indicate incorrect pricing or a potential problem that other buyers have noticed.

What are the neighbours like?

It doesn’t have to be something you find out later down the track. Take your time getting to know the neighbourhood. Singles or young couples may prefer being around the same demographic, whereas families will certainly enjoy the company of other families. You should also be informed of potential neighbourhood problems such as noise, partying or inappropriate behaviour. 

Are the vendors willing to negotiate?

It will depend on their situation and the urgency of the sale. The agent may be able to persuade the seller towards a lower price if they have a timeframe in which to complete the sale. You can also ask the agent for insight into past sales in the same neighbourhood – this will either help validate the asking price or raise concerns.

What else should I know?

There will always be other factors that influence the asking price. You can enquire about any recent or past renovations – you could take advantage of valid warranties and check the work was council-approved to avoid any potential issues.

With all these facts, you can then determine how well the property aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goals. If it’s still checking the boxes, then go ahead and make that offer!

More questions? Not a problem! Chisholm & Gamon are prepped and ready to assist you.