Few feelings compare to walking into your dream home. We’re talking about the property that checks all your boxes. The one you can imagine living in the moment you step inside. If you’re like most buyers, you’ll be tempted to draft up an offer the moment you leave. But before you do, there are a few things you’ll want to look into.

Your agent and home inspector can help ensure that you make a fully informed purchase. But if you’re considering buying a particular home, here are five things you’ll probably want to ask about…

1) How old is the roof?

There’s no way around it: replacing a roof is extremely expensive. So if you’re thinking of buying a particular home, be sure to ask about the age of this vital home component. A qualified inspector can help verify what the sellers tell you. For reference, a roof built with high-quality materials will usually last around 20 years – though some will provide more mileage. Either way, knowing the answer to this crucial question will help you make a more informed home purchase.

2) When was the HVAC system last serviced?

Much like a defective roof, replacing a faulty heating and cooling system can put a massive dent in your finances. So the last thing you want is to learn that the one in your new home is functioning poorly after you’ve moved in. To prevent this outcome, get as much prior information as you can. When was it last inspected? What type of warranty does it have? During your home viewing, you may also want to try running it yourself.

3) Which appliances have been replaced?

If the home you’re thinking of buying contains a dishwasher, when was it installed? What about the fridge? While the need to replace these appliances may not make or break your purchase decision, it’s still a good thing to know about. As is the case with major systems in a home, you may be able to negotiate for a lower price if these items need to be repaired or replaced. Don’t forget to ask for the accompanying warranties!

4) What are the utility bills like?

Some homes are a lot more energy efficient than others. For this reason, you may want to do some digging into what typical utility bills look like for any home you’re considering. Most sellers will be happy to show you some of their past bills, which should give you a fairly good sense of how much you’ll wind up paying each month. This information will help you make a more informed purchase—and budget for the future too.

5) How well insulated is the home?

It can have a major impact on your energy bills – not to mention your general comfort and wellbeing. We’re talking about insulation. Be sure to ask about the quality and type that’s used throughout your potential new home. Depending on the time period during which the property was built, asbestos may be a concern. As late as 1990, the hazardous material was still used occasionally in insulation – so it’s worth asking your inspector about!

Preparing to buy a home? We know the process inside and out, and we’d love to walk you through it! Get in touch to get started!