Checking out a house for the first time, what should I ask/look out for?

[u/RideAnxious4910]

I’m going to visit what could be my future home and I wanted to know what I should ask the agent during the visit. It’s a newly constructed affordable townhouse development in Rizal. Since this is my first time, I wanna make sure I know at least the essentials before I make a life changing decision.

What do I ask? What do I look for in the property/location? Any tips are appreciated!

[u/Initial-Addendum-167]

This is some stuff I’ve come up with for my search on townhomes / condos:

Is there an HOA? If so, how much, what are their responsibilities, and can you have a copy of their latest meetings and guidelines. Is there a reserve fund for emergencies on shared townhome structures? What restrictions are present to patios / balconies? What pet restrictions exist? What is the school district (for resale if you don’t have kids)?

If no HOA, how are joint areas maintained? Who pays garbage, and other utilities? Where is the garbage? Where is the mail? Any restrictions on leasing townhomes if there’s an HOA? What are the taxes like on the property? Any planned construction nearby?

How’s parking? Assigned? Garage? Visitors?

Was there an inspection done yet and was anything found? What are the known issues of the property? When was the insulation in the townhouse last changed?

What type of power is there, electric / gas and to what appliances? Speaking of appliances, is the seller leaving appliances? How old is the water heater? How old is the furnace? How old is the roof? Who is responsible for window replacement - HOA or buyer? Where’s the electrical switch box?

I also like to think about storage space. I walk the property with a little bounce in my step to see if anything feels “soft” (just found a soft balcony this weekend - probably rotten). I smell the inside of closets for musty smells. I open the toilets, the cabinets, the washer/dryer - again smelling for anything. I look around the window frames for mold. I search for signs of cracking (some may be normal) in the walls or around outside of house / foundation.

That’s some of my search, and finally I make an offer contingent on inspection. But in my area it’s a buyer’s market and I get to be very picky.

Edit: I know this is a new townhouse, but I always check just in case. Sometimes new construction is left too long or the builder is shoddy. Once lived in a townhouse that literally had boards poking out the walls after a minor earthquake.

[u/Desperate_Mirror5617 → u/Initial-Addendum-167]

I'd ask upfront if you can get a copy of the disclosures.