Four key questions to ask during an open house

To get the most out of open houses, always ask the listing agent these four questions:

1. When was the house last updated? Ask the listing agent about recent upgrades and how long ago features like the roof and electrical system were updated. You don’t want to have to pay for major repairs once you move in.

2. What issues does the home come with? No matter how recently renovated, all houses have their issues. Find out in advance what the home’s biggest problems are so there are no surprises during the home inspection — or worse, after you move in.

3. How much do utilities cost? Knowing the average cost of utilities will give you an idea of how energy efficient the house is. Keep in mind that older homes can be more costly to heat and cool.

4. Was there a change in price? If a house’s asking price was lowered, proceed with caution—there may be a reason why it’s not selling. However, sometimes a new asking price simply indicates that the owner’s getting impatient to sell.

Can’t make the open house? No problem. Simply email or call the listing agent to get answers to the above questions.