"FSBO" or "buying foreclosures"
"Chicago, IL" or "Florida"
Views: 33099
Questions for Your Buyer's Agent
Questions to ask to determine whether to buy
Has the market peaked?
What is the average list price to sales price ratio in the last three months for this area?
Where are interest rates heading?
Is this a buyer's market, or a seller's market?
Questions to ask about financing a home
Who is the direct to loan originator you work with?
Can you refer me to a mortgage broker? How many mortgage brokers, with whom you do business, will explain yield spread premium to me?
If considering a condominium or co-op, how much are the association dues for maintenance and repairs, and what do they cover? (Each condominium has different dues. There are no general rules. Read the bylaws).
Questions to ask when choosing an agent
Are you an agent or a broker? Who is your managing broker?
Do you work full time or part time?
Can you recommend a reputable property inspector? Any agent will recommend a minimum of 3 names.
I don’t need help finding a home. Can you just help me with negotiating the contract and the closing, and charge a fee for those services?
Do I need to sign an exclusive contract with you?
What services do I get as part of the contract?
Will you show me FSBO properties?
How do you negotiate the offer - in person or by fax?
Can you tell me about price trend of the neighborhood I'm interested in?
Questions about finding the right home
What can you tell me about the local school system?
Who provides local services (city, county, state?) and how are they funded? Is the local economy strong enough to maintain a healthy tax base?
Are there any big projects in the works (e.g, housing developments, highways, shopping malls) that might impact the neighborhood, either for better or worse?
If considering a single-family detached home, what is the status of adjacent or nearby underdeveloped parcels that might impact the view or otherwise affect the home?
If considering a condominium or co-op, what are the rules regarding pets, parking, exterior elements, and rentals?
When considering existing construction: What major repairs and/or improvements have been made and when? Were all necessary permits obtained?
When considering new construction: What else has the builder built, and is it possible to see the results? How will my home differ from the model home?
With existing construction, what appliances will remain with the house?
Questions about foreclosures and fixer-uppers
What experience do you have with foreclosure properties?
Are there any outstanding liens or other issues that could impede ownership, and has the house been inspected?
How does the asking price of the house (foreclosure or fixer-upper) relate to comparable homes in the neighborhood, and is the difference great enough to warrant moving forward?
Questions about a house you’ve found
Does the total square footage include the basement or unfinished space?
Does the total square footage include the garage?
Have they measured the interior or the exterior of the building?
Can you get me the numbers for taxes, insurance, fees, and other maintenance costs?
Questions about the offer and negotiating
Can you get me a CMA for this property?
What do you know about the seller's motivation?
How long has the property been on the market?
The market is hot, should I offer an escalator clause?
Can you recommend an inspector? How many times have you worked with him? Can I get a reference from your past clients?
Can you walk me through a sample contract before I am ready to make a purchase?
What does this state require in a purchase contract?
What contingencies do you recommend?
Will you present my letter to the seller along with the offer?
What will you do to help me meet the schedule?
What type of market are we negotiating in?
What is your strategy for getting me the best house and price?
What conversations are occurring between you and the seller's agent?
How can I get in touch with you quickly during the negotiation process?
Is this counteroffer fair?
What would you suggest I concede?
What do you know about the seller that I should know before countering?
What is the total closing costs?
Questions about closing
What is a title?
How and when will I collect the keys?
Are you arranging for the escrow company, or do I need to find my own?
Related Links
External Resources
Uploading Image-
Flag content
Stating a discriminatory preference in an advertisement for housing is illegal. If you think this content is discriminatory or otherwise inappropriate and feel it should be removed from Zillow.com, please let us know by completing the information above.
Close- Content Flagged
We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.
Close- We're Sorry
- This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
