The Open-House Questions You Need To Ask Room By Room

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of an open house. It’s staged beautifully, it smells great, and there’s a friendly agent pointing out the charming details and thoughtful upgrades. But whether you’re searching in Malibu, CA, Hoboken, NJ, or anywhere in between, it’s important to look at a home with a critical eye. From requesting a sellers’ disclosure form (if they’re not readily available) to asking pointed questions about each space, you can leave any open house with a pretty good idea of whether you’ll want to make an offer or keep moving.

It’s usually fairly obvious whether the kitchen was recently renovated. Hint: If it has linoleum floors, boldly printed wallpaper that pains the eyes, and wood paneling, you can bet the kitchen hasn’t seen a remodel since 1975. But it doesn’t hurt to ask anyway. Klaus Gonche, a Fort Lauderdale, FL, agent, says to inquire when the kitchen was last renovated and specifically ask, “How old are the appliances, and are all of them functional?” Refrigerators last, on average, 11 years; gas ranges, 16 years; electric ranges, 14 years; range hoods, 14 years; ovens, 14 years; and dishwashers, nine years.

Take in all you see, then look down. “If you’re walking into a carpeted home, be sure to inquire about what is underneath the carpets,” says Brad Malow, a New York, NY, agent and founder of BuyingNYC.com. “If you’re able to pull back a portion and actually take a look, do so. The last thing you want to find out, postclosing, is that you’re dealing with subflooring that has major issues.”

Not all master bedrooms are created equal. Ask what the dimensions are. “Make sure your furniture will fit,” says Gonche. This is also important information to know about the secondary bedrooms, especially if you have a particular setup to accommodate. “Ask for permission to measure the rooms,” says Bill Hammill Jr., training director for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Do not rely on the measurements on the listing sheet.”

Do more than just peek inside the bathrooms on your way to more interesting rooms. Lots of problems could be happening here, and you should find out if any are. Ask about knocking pipes during a shower, which could lead to a leak or a pipe coming free from its mountings. Low water pressure, dripping sinks, poor drainage, and not enough hot water are other potential problems you should know about. “Buyers shouldn’t be afraid to turn on the faucets, checking to see that water pressure is adequate and that the hot water is working and look for signs of water leaks” says Malow.

Putting on a new roof is expensive. So get some information and tips from the Experienced Mansfield Roofing Contractor. Gonche says to ask the roof’s age and what kind of roof it is, e.g., vinyl siding. Depending on the roofing material, it could last anywhere between 15 and 50-plus years. In general, asphalt shingles last 15 to 20 years; metal roofs last 20 to 40 years; wood shingle and shake roofs last 20 to 30 years; and tile and slate roofs last 50 or more years. The roofing contractors will be able to determine whether the roof is in good condition or if it requires repairs.

Many sellers can’t wait to tell you about the addition they’ve done, especially if they’re charging more for the home based on this bonus room. But you need to know more. “You can see the kids relaxing in there and doing their homework,” says Chantay Bridges, a Los Angeles, CA, real estate agent. “Yet, is it a legal addition?” You’ll want to know the answer before you put an offer on the table.

Regarding the yard, Gonche advises to find out where the property line begins and ends. You’ll want to know just how much land you’re buying and how much lawn care you need. If you’ve fallen in love with a storage shed or children’s play set, make sure to ask if they’ll stay with the home, says Sammi Massie, a Minnesota agent and attorney. Bridges suggests that homebuyers get a document stating what’s being communicated. “If the seller’s agent states it’s legal to have your mother-in-law in the tiny house in the back, get it in writing.” You should also inquire about any homeowners’ association regulations regarding fencing or a pool. And if there is a pool or hot tub, inquire about its condition. “Ask about the equipment and heating mechanisms,” says Bridges.

After going room by room, look at the whole house, paying attention to items that will be expensive to replace, such as appliances, the electrical, heating, and air-conditioning systems, plumbing, dual flush toilet installation, sump pump repair, and water heaters. Find out if any of the home’s appliances and systems are covered by a home warranty. Also ask how often the home’s appliances and systems have been serviced. “Ask the homeowner for the last two years of maintenance records and utility costs,” says Jeanne Heinz, a New York agent. “This will give the buyer insight into past maintenance and an estimate of utility charges for the home.” You may ask plumbers like this Orange County plumber to know more about plumbing fixtures. 

If you have a nagging feeling you still missed something, never fear. “You don’t always have to be specific,” says Massie. She suggests you ask a question that covers it all: Is there anything else I should know about the house? “That way, you let the agent do the talking without having to know what to ask about.”