What to ask your real estate professional when buying a home

Your real estate professional's knowledge of the area and typical buyer concerns will be a great resource as you look to "Buy Smart" in your new location. Here are some questions you may want to ask your agent as you consider a specific property:

1. Location - Is this house in a neighborhood which has good resale activity when compared to the resale activity of the overall market? How strongly will competition from nearby builders affect the value of the home in the next three to five years? Did the neighborhood have resales during the past 12 months that support the value of the home?
    
2. Condition - How does the overall condition of the home compare to others that are for sale...and those that hove sold? Who can give me estimates on the necessary and optional capital improvements? How will such an investment affect the value? Who can give me estimates for curing the property's deferred maintenance? What are the priority areas? How will that expense affect the value? When considering redecorating choices, which are more customized, and which will appeal to the typical buyer?
    
3. Features - Are the style, size, and floor plan appealing to the typical buyer in this market? Are the numbers, function, and location of the baths adequate for the price range? Are the kitchen appliances and spaces typical for the price range? Is the quality of trim and cabinetry typical for the price range? Does the property include the amenities expected by the typical buyer, for example, garage space, fireplace, outdoor area, heating and cooling options?