Hellobee Boards

Well, what information do you have already? Your realtor cam provide the tax rate /tax bill info if you don't already have that. The disclosure paperwork they typically give you at a viewing should have the year the roof was installed and any known info about it. If you didn't get disclosure paperwork, I would ask for that. I would ask about heat source (boiler age, condition, last time it was serviced, etc.) - that should also be on the disclosure paperwork.

I'd also ask about insulation; type and amount. Since it's am older home; asbestos and lead paint. If it's carpeted, I would ask to see what's underneath (is it nice hardwood that could be refinished, or junk?). Foundation - type, repairs to, condition of, etc. Windows - age, leaks, etc. If it has a fireplace, what type and does it work?

Your realtor can and should provide you with neighborhood info including school info, proximity to grocery stores, malls and transportation- public, airports, highways etc. These items you can resesrch on your own and find out by driving around on your own. Proximity to a gym was important to us, so my Realtor always pointed it out to us.

I would ask about age and condition of the roof, water heater, appliances, plumbing work and installation. You never know if there are some newer repairs/ replacements or existing problems unless you ask. I would also want to know about pests or critter problems with an older home. You can ask about expenses like heat, water, electricity, and services such as lawn maintenance, but alot of it will have to do with personal preference/ usage. I would ask if there are any fixtures the seller is keeping: chandeliers comes to mind. I had one seller who was taking a built in murphy bed and another who was taking a portab look e island, but had it topped off with the same granite as the rest of the kitchen, and ano the seller who was keeping three decorative light fixtures. If they are taking anything you will need to factor in the cost of replacing the items or repairing/ patching up walls/ceilings.

I would ask about lead paint. We moved into an older home (165 yrs) which was nicely remodeled and such...and we were young and had no clue. Our realtor mentioned nothing about this issue. The other month I tested (you can get cheap tests as home improvement stores..."if it's red, it's lead" tests). We have issues now with windows and doors (inside and outside) and have to take out a loan to get everything replaced. Also because of the age it will be much more expensive to replace everything because nothing is the standard size. Just something to think about esp. if little ones are about.

Ask the seller to purchase a one year home warranty for you. That way, if anything breaks in the first year, you only have to pay the deductible and you have the option to renew it annually.