Important Buyer Questions

By John | Published: March 7, 2008

It's a maxim in real estate that the three most crucial factors in selecting a house are "location, location, location." It's also true! No matter how wonderful the house is, the location is key to how well you'll like living in it and how well it sells when you're ready to move on.

Before you buy, carefully check the following factors to be sure the house you like is really the one you want to live in:

Consider Destinations – Where will family members go most often from this new location? How easy is it to reach those places from the house? How accessible are schools, churches, grocery stores, medical care, public transportation, shopping malls and emergency services?
Be Sure Rooms Have a View – What is the view from the house and yard? Is the yard right for your anticipated activities? What uses are possible for nearby undeveloped land? Is a new road or commercial development planned?
Check Around the Clock – Is rush hour traffic a problem? What will be the impact of special events such as local high-school games or church picnics? Crash test the driveway How easy is it to get into and out of the driveway?
Be Service Conscious – What utilities serve the property? Are the rates competitive? Do you want an all-electric house, or do you want gas or oil heat? Where will you get your mail? Are there any easements?
Dig Below the Surface – Is the soil stable? Is part of the property on a flood plain? If so, what is the history of floods on the property and what would flood insurance cost?
Visit the Neighbors – How will you fit in with the neighbors? Do people seem to be friendly? Are houses well-maintained?
Read the Fine Print – If the community has special by-laws or architectural controls over changes to a house, what are the pros and cons?