Buying a home is an emotional process. Many times people will forget it's importance and be blinded by falling in love with the home. That is why it is best to have questions written down.

Many states require the seller to provide prospective buyers with a property disclosure. This real estate disclosure should contain facts on the house such as, age of roof, age of appliances, if all additions were done to code and with legal permits and other facts that are not readily visible.

Here are some important questions you should ask the sellers while viewing the home, if interested in proceeding further with this property:

- How many square feet in the home? You can also get this information from the country records or our website property information, but ask the owner.

- How much do property taxes cost per year? Insurance? This information can also be obtained from your local government records. The cost of insurance is something that a Insurance agent can provide you.

- How much do utilities cost per month average in the summer? winter? This can give you an idea of the property's insulation. Remember that this only gives you an idea of the homes efficiency, many families can be conservative or wasteful.

- What type heating and cooling system does the house have? Is it electric, gas or other form?

- Do any of the appliances that are not built-in stay with the home? Built in appliances such as refrigerator, stove and ceiling fans are considered attachments and therefore part of the property. Appliances that are not attached, such as extra freezers, or generators are not considered part of the property. You want to know exactly is included in the sale of the home.

- Is the current electrical wiring and electrical panel sufficient for your needs? Some older homes might not updated electrical connections required for modern appliances.

- Ask about telephone wiring, DSL or Internet, Cable TV wiring, satellite and other wiring systems to ensure they meet your requirements.

- What other items stay with the home mini-blinds, window treatments, storage buildings, lawn statuary, etc.?

- How old is the roof? How old is the most recent exterior paint job?

- Why is the seller selling the home? Gives you an idea of their motivation to negotiate a price!

- How soon will the seller be able to vacate the home?

- How clean will the "make-ready" be? (New paint on walls? Carpets cleaned? Nail holes repaired? Any specific problem areas addressed?) ***Any agreements made should be WRITTEN in the purchase contract***

- Ask about the neighborhood schools and crime rate. Even though you can get this information from public records, it's good to ask to get the seller's perspective.

Now consider some of the responses given by the sellers and address any questions that their answers might have raised.

Once you are done with the questions you had written down, ask the sellers for their property disclosure. If they don't have one you can refer them to our site where they can obtain a complete for sale by owner forms package by following the forms link on our home page.

Make sure you receive a seller's disclosure prior to completing a written purchase contract!

Lets continue to the next steps!