What to ask Real Estate Agents when showing a property.

I have been a realtor for several years now in the Central Ohio area.
When I show properties I educate my buyers on what to look for - I tell
them always look up and under - meaning - always look at ceilings, inside
closets - looking for water spots, etc. Also, always look under - if there
is carpeting - ask what is under the carpeting - is it simply subflooring,
or could there be hardwoods - which is always a great find. If the realtor
doesn't know - walk over to a corner of a room and see if the corner of
the carpeting might be loose so you can peak - or pick up a heat register cover and usually the carpeting may be loose under there and you can peak,
if that doesn't work and there is a basement go under to look up - get in
the basement and look up at the ceiling which will usually be the underside
of the flooring above you - you can sometimes tell that way. Here are
some other things to consider - don't just depend on the mls sheet they
give you - they are most generalized and sometimes the info. is input in
a hurry by the listing agent - you want to gather your own info. as well.

Just carry a general wide ruled notebook with you - at the top of the
page jot down the address of the property you are looking at - the date -
who is showing it - and how is it being sold, i.e. is it a repo. conventional
sale by owner, is it curtainly occupied - by owners or renters.
Then have your questions ready - here are some to consider:

When was the house built?

What is the age of the roof? If it is a shingle roof - is there more than
one layer? (this can be a concern with insurance companies if several layers)

How is the home heated and cooled and what are the ages of these components?

Is the home well insulated?

What do the utilities generally run?

Do the appliances stay what is there condition - check them out.

Do the windows open and are they updated?

Are there smoke detectors, if so are they ele. ran or battery?

Does the basement or crawspace get wet - (they will give you a property
disclosure or at least they should and this question will be on there,
but ask anyway?)

How is the water heated - gas or elec. and how old is the tank?

Now some others things to look for - look under bathroom sinks and
kitchen sink - look for week spots in the cabinets and water damage.
Turn on the faucets and check the water pressure - if the water is
on in the property - also flush the toilets and see how they work.
Don't be shy - just walk over and turn the faucets on and push the
flush handle - look like you know what you are doing and lookign for : )

Also - listen as you walk across the floors - do they creak alot
look at the lighting and turn each one on - if ceiling fans - make
sure they work and are hung correctly without alot of noise.

This is alot of information - but if you just pick up the habit of
looking at a few of these things - you will begin to become a seasoned
and educated buyer - and you will feel more confident as you are searching.

For me as an investor - I look at all these things - but than I consider,
does this house have good bones? Is there something I can work with - some
design feature to play off of - and I always see how the house will look
once I am done with it : ) Don't let cosmetic things scare you - the uglier
the better sometimes. Cleaing, paint and flooring are easy enough fixes.

Main thing - is the foundation good - is it structurally sound - what do
you have to work with - what will it cost you and what can you turn it
into - that is what I myself go in asking myself.

Hope this helps,

Candace in Ohio/Shoulzie

Mathew 6:33 "Seek ye first The Kingdom of God and His righteousness and
All things He will add unto you" God is so faithful!

Of course you will want to ask 'why" is the house being sold - if it isn't
obvious. Even if you have funds to work with or financing in place - it is
great to use others peoples money. Maybe the seller is willing to lease
option, if it is a property that needs some upgrades - of course sometimes
as we have learned they are more flexible, they may carry the financing
for you for some time and you can get the property upgraded and get it
ready to sale - so many things are possible. Always try to think outside
the box - have a plan a, b and c and an exit strategy - and remember - "don't
fall in love with the property - fall in love with the deal" and if the
numbers don't work..the word to remember is ...."Next"
Some people like to hunt in the woods, some for treasure - me I hunt for houses that have some sort of treasur in them - meaning - do the numbers work
and what can I envision this property to be when I get finished with it, so that my buyers or renters will fall in love with the house!
One of my favorite things to do in the afternoon is drive in my car in my
favorite real estate areas of interest, with my notebook and sometimes
my camera - looking for empty houses - this kind of hunting is so much fun!!!!

Thank you very much! I have two appointments this week.Im so excited. You gave me some great pointers.

Thanks!

Arlyne

Yes, Anytime I step out.... I take a detour just to see what I can find along the way. The area that I am focused on has so many houses for sale. Its like every other house has a sign. It just make me smile and excited becuase I know there are so many good deals out there.

Arlyne

Its great and so much fun - I know you will go into your appointments
recharged this week - best wishes!