10 Obscure Questions to Ask When Buying a Home

Just last weekend, while spending time with some friends, I overheard one friend say this to our other friend, a newlywed who also recently bought a house: “Congrats on the house! Do you hate being a homeowner yet?”

He was clearly joking, and we all listened goodheartedly as our other friend told us how much she loved her new home, but that it was more work than she’d expected.

“We had a pipe burst last week!” she said, as she went on to describe the undertaking they were currently going through to fix it.

As we continued discussing the joys and tribulations of being a homeowner, I couldn’t help but consider how much work goes into owning your own home, and how, though some of the stress is unavoidable, some could be avoided or lessened by asking a few questions early on.

Let’s face it: If not completely unheard of, it’s rare to buy a house that requires no maintenance whatsoever. But you can prepare your mind and your wallet early by asking these 10 questions:

1. Has there ever been a busted pipe?
2. What is the age of the roof?
3. Have there been any infestations (ants, termites, etc.)?
4. What are the costs of utilities each month?
5. Have there ever been any sewer problems?
6. Do the appliances have warranties, and how old are they?
7. Is the attic properly insulated? If so, how much insulation is there?
8. What is the size of the water heater? Is it enough for my household?
9. How often is the septic tank pumped? When was the last time?
10. Will my car fit in the garage?

Being mentally and financially prepared to deal with issues as they arise will allow you to worry less and live more in your very own home. Have questions about how much a homeowner’s policy can cover? Contact Latorre Insurance today!