5 Crucial Questions Home Buyers Should Ask Sellers Before Moving In

Moving into a home you've just bought is exciting—and sometimes exasperating. That's because, although you might love your new place, you don't know it all that well—which means that sooner or later, you're bound to end up in a situation where you're floundering cluelessly with the circuit breaker, or petting a neighbor's seemingly adorable Pomeranian who nearly nips off a finger. Home, sweet home, right? Yet you'd be surprised by how many of these unfortunate surprises home buyers can circumvent merely by asking the person who sold them the home some pointed questions before moving in. Sure, you'll also be soaking up intel from the seller's disclosure agreement, the home inspector who gave a thumbs-up to the place, and eventually even the neighbors. But truth be told, there's nothing better than hearing about a home straight from someone who's been living there for umpteen years. So go ahead and ask! Just keep in mind that some sellers might feel tight-lipped if they think your questions might jeopardize the sale. As such, many of these questions are best asked near the end of the process—like during your walk-through or at closing.