![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com\/in-house\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/25131922\/GettyImages-943910360-80x53.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The hunt for a new home can be daunting and often times overwhelming. One of the best ways to start the search is by visiting open houses. With so much information to absorb, knowing what to ask during an open house is a great way to narrow down search parameters and be one step closer to your dream home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
History of the House<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Although it may not seem like an important question to ask, home buyers should always question why the current owners are moving. Most real estate agents will have a general response that might not be anything too groundbreaking, but it will at least provide an idea about why the house went on the market.\u00a0 Some sellers may have only owned the home for a short period of time and are now reselling, which could be a red flag to potential buyers. This can also lead to asking about how many days the home has been on the market.\u00a0 A buyer can negotiate a lower price for a home that has been available longer compared to others in the area.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Age of Important Equipment <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Current updates and renovations, including the age of important items within the house, is a big factor in determining a home\u2019s listing price. Questions to ask could be: How old is the roof or pool equipment? When were the A\/C and hot water heater replaced? Does the house have a water softener or reverse osmosis water filtration system? Many of these items are Arizona-specific and therefore important information to know prior to submitting an offer.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n