✅ 25 Questions to Ask at an Open House: Your Buying Checklist

Attending an open house is an exciting step toward buying a home in Sanpete County, but asking the right questions can help you avoid costly surprises during the home buying process. Whether you’re looking at homes in Ephraim, Manti, or Spring City, understanding the property’s condition, market value, and seller’s motivation is key for home buyers.

This comprehensive open house checklist will guide you through the essential questions to ask when touring a home.

✅ What Are the Key Questions to Ask When Viewing a House?

• What is the overall condition of the home?
  Look beyond fresh paint and staging—check for structural issues, outdated systems, and signs of neglect.

• Are there any recent renovations?
  Updates can add value, but be sure they were done professionally and with the necessary permits.

• What is the home’s layout and functionality?
  Consider whether the flow of the home fits your lifestyle, and if there’s enough storage or space for future needs as a homeowner.

• What is the neighborhood like?
  Visit at different times of day to assess noise, traffic, and safety before committing.

• Are there any zoning restrictions?
  If you plan to build a shop, raise livestock, or rent out part of the home, verify local zoning regulations.

✅ What Important Questions Should You Ask the Seller?

• Why is the seller moving?
  If they’re relocating for work, the seller may have different motivations than if they’re leaving due to neighborhood concerns or home maintenance issues.

• Are there any known problems with the house?
  Sellers are required to disclose issues, but a direct question may reveal additional details.

• Has the home had any major repairs?
  A new roof, HVAC, or foundation repair can be positive, but you’ll want to see receipts and warranty details.

• How old are the major systems, and how might that affect your decision when buying a house?
  Systems like the roof, furnace, and water heater have life spans—replacing them can be costly, which is why a home inspection is essential.

• Has the home been appraised recently?
  Knowing the most recent appraisal value helps you determine if the home is priced fairly.

✅ What Should You Look for When Viewing a House?

• Cracks in walls or ceilings
  These could indicate foundation problems or settling issues.

• Signs of water damage
  Stains, musty smells, or warped flooring could be signs of past flooding or ongoing leaks.

• Quality of windows and doors
  Older or poorly sealed windows can lead to high energy costs and drafts.

• Street and driveway condition
  In rural areas, check if roads are well-maintained in winter or if they require special access.

• Yard and landscaping
  A well-maintained yard can indicate responsible homeownership, while overgrowth may signal neglect.

✅ How Can You Use This Checklist for Open House Visits?

• Print this checklist and bring it with you
  Having a physical copy ensures you don’t forget key questions.

• Take notes and pictures for later comparison
  When viewing multiple homes, details can blur—taking notes helps with decision-making and answering the 25 questions to ask.

• Ask follow-up questions based on what you see
  If something seems off, ask the listing agent or seller directly.

• Visit at different times of the day
  A quiet street in the afternoon may be noisy at night—check for unexpected issues.

• Bring a trusted friend or real estate agent
  A second set of eyes may catch red flags you missed.

✅ What Common Seller-Related Questions Should You Consider?

• How long has the home been on the market?
  A home sitting for months may have issues or be overpriced, giving you leverage.

• Has the price changed since listing?
  Multiple price drops could indicate a seller eager to negotiate.

• Are there any seller incentives?
  Some sellers offer help with closing costs or provide a home warranty to sweeten the deal.

• What are the average utility costs?
  Ask for recent utility bills to get a sense of heating, cooling, and water expenses.

• Are there any property line disputes?
  Ensure there are no boundary issues with neighbors before purchasing.

✅ What is Included in the Sale of the House?

• Are appliances included?
  Some sellers take their fridge, washer/dryer, or stove when they move.

• Do outbuildings or sheds come with the property?
  Essential for rural homes, barns, or detached garages should be clarified in the sale.

• Are window treatments and light fixtures included?
  Some sellers exclude items like chandeliers or custom blinds.

• Does the home come with a warranty?
  A home warranty can cover unexpected repairs in the first year of ownership.

✅ How Can You Effectively Communicate with Your Real Estate Agent?

• Be clear about your budget and priorities
  This helps your agent narrow down options and find the best match.

• Ask for comparative market data
  Knowing recent sales in the area helps determine a fair offer price when buying a house.

• Discuss negotiation strategies in advance
  Your agent can help you decide on contingencies and offer terms that benefit you.

• Stay in touch about new listings
  Homes move fast—your agent can notify you about new options before they hit the market.

✅ How to Make the Most of Your Open House Experience?

• Arrive early for a first look at the property before other home buyers arrive.
  You’ll get a better feel for the home before it gets crowded.

• Ask the listing agent key questions
  The agent can provide insights about pricing, offers, and seller motivations.

• Pay attention to other buyers’ reactions
  If the open house is busy, you may face competition from other home buyers looking to make an offer. If it’s empty, you might have room to negotiate. The seller may be motivated to sell quickly.

• Take notes and compare to other homes
  This makes it easier to recall details when making your final decision.

Final Thoughts

Asking the right questions at an open house in Sanpete County helps you make an informed decision about buying a house. If you’re ready to buy a home, contact David Sedlak with Century 21 Essentials Realty for expert advice and local market insights.

📍 David Sedlak – REALTOR®
🏡 Century 21 Essentials Realty – Ephraim, Utah, specializes in helping home buyers find their dream homes.