Buying or selling a house is quite a daunting task and it might seem like it is you against the world. But luckily, you can make the process a bit more straightforward if you just know what to ask from your estate agent. Check out these must-ask questions, whether you are looking for a new home or selling your current house.

Question 1: How Long Have the Current Owners Lived There and Why Are They Moving Out?

It is essential to know a bit about the current homeowners and their reasons for putting the home up for sale. You want to know whether it is something about the area that put them off or if they didn’t get a long with the neighbours. If the owners are moving out after just two months of living there and you don’t get a sufficient answer as to why, then it might be something to do with the house and you need to be extra cautious.

On the other hand, if you are selling your home, make sure your estate agent knows your reasons for selling. You want to know what your estate agent would say if potential buyers ask this question.

Question 2: What Are the Best and the Worst Qualities of the House?

Truth and honesty are the key qualities for an estate agent. Whether you are selling or buying a house, you want to know the realities of the home – not just a generic marketing speech. Make sure you ask what is the best and the worst thing about the house you are buying. After all, many house qualities, such as the distance to public transport, might not seem like a ‘bad’ quality to everyone.

Likewise, if you are trying to sell your home, it might help to know what your estate agent thinks are the biggest selling points and what are the problem areas.

Question 3: What is the Competition Like?

You should also ask a bit about the competition. If you are selling, is the market flooded with similar homes and what are the prospects for you to sell right now?

On the other hand, if you are looking to buy a home, you want to know if there’s a long line outside the house to ensure you make your move in time. Understanding what the housing market is like in the area can also tell you a lot about the surroundings and whether it is a good neighbourhood to move in.

Question 4: Is There Work to Be Done?

Houses age and renovation projects are a natural thing to undertake in any building. But before you buy your new home, you want to know whether a plumbing project is waiting for you two years down the line or whether the house has recently undergone big renovation projects.

On the other hand, if you are looking to sell, you should ask your estate agent whether simple projects might increase the asking price or hasten the selling process. Sometimes a simple roof renovation or a new layer of exterior paint can add plenty to the asking price.

Question 5: What Are the Expenses?

Before you set to sell or buy a house you need to be aware of all the costs involved in the process. Not only does it matter how much the house is going to cost, but you also need to know what additional charges the estate agent might add to the bill.

Get a proper quote before you use a particular agent, as you can’t back down from these costs once you are using the agent’s services. If you don’t get a proper estimate up front, try a different agent.