Source: The Ascent —
Buying and owning a home is likely to be one of the most expensive money moves you’ll ever make. Not only will you have upfront costs (such as a down payment to secure a mortgage loan), but you’ll also be responsible for ongoing expenses like maintenance and homeowners insurance. As such, it pays to ask the right questions going into the process, as the answers will give you the knowledge you need to save money on the costs of homeownership. Add the following questions to your checklist for your home search.
1. Why is this home for sale?
This is exactly the kind of question that can give you the edge in the home-buying process and position your offer to be the one the seller chooses. If it turns out the home is on the market because the seller has gotten a new job and has to relocate right away, you can negotiate based on this information. You might be able to offer less if the seller has to keep to a specific timeline for moving out. Conversely, if the seller is in no real hurry to move and is trying to get as much money as possible for the house, you might not want to waste your time if you’re not willing to overpay.
2. How are the neighbors?
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