What to Ask When Buying a Home in Houston

There isn’t much to ask when deciding whether to live in Houston; the city’s impeccable resume speaks for itself before you even have a chance to pose a question.

Unique neighborhoods with access to celebrated restaurants and endless acres of natural parks, Fortune 500 companies and HQs of leading names in tech and energy sectors, and a variety of professional sports teams are only some of the perks you gain when you choose to live in Houston, the "Energy Capital of the World."

Instead, you’ll have to save your questions for when you’re ready to start your search for a home in Houston. 

Each home can have a unique set of challenges, some of which become apparent only after you have the keys to your new abode. The best way to avoid any surprises is to be prepared with a list of questions that address the most important aspects of the property itself.

Below, we will guide buyers through the most vital questions they should be asking when buying a home in Houston, Texas.

Questions to ask when buying a home in Houston

• What budget can I work with?
• Should I hire a real estate agent?
• How do I narrow down neighborhoods?
• Can I save money when buying a home?
• Is the infrastructure sound?
• What is the age of the roof?
• Are the major systems in good condition?

What budget can I work with?

Houston’s real estate market can be intimidating. Home prices reflect the high demand for one of the most popular cities in Texas, and having a budget that only accounts for the down payment and a few monthly expenses is not always the ideal springboard from which to start your homebuying journey in Houston.

There are three major things you should account for in your budget to give yourself comfortable breathing room down the line: the down payment, closing costs, and potential bidding wars. 

The first is self-explanatory, but the second, which typically amounts to 2% to 5% of your home’s purchase price, and the third, an unexpected expense that could inflate your budget at the last minute if you’re not prepared, require a closer look. 

When you have a good idea of what you’re willing to spend on a home, you should immediately do some numbers to decide how much above that price you can spend. That way, if you find yourself competing with other buyers, you’ll know exactly how much you’re willing to offer to stay in the bid.

Once you have that number set, you can calculate your potential closing costs and start setting aside money for them. Layering your budget in this way can potentially prepare you for almost any surprises down the line. 

Should I hire a real estate agent?

Agents are valuable not only for their market knowledge but also for their skills in negotiation and managing the complexities of real estate transactions. 

Almost anyone can browse through online listings and discover Houston homes they may want to tour. While you may not always need an agent for that, you will have to eventually face negotiations and complex paperwork. That’s where a buyer’s agent expertise becomes invaluable.

They can negotiate on your behalf, making offers more appealing while ensuring you get a fair deal. Moreover, they handle the substantial paperwork and ensure legal compliance with local real estate laws, which can vary widely.

A buyer’s agent also has unique access to listings only available via Multiple Listing Services (MLS) that might not be available to the public. This can broaden your options and provide you with essential comparative price analysis throughout the buying process. 

How do I narrow down neighborhoods?

Narrowing down neighborhoods in Houston revolves around assessing your personal lifestyle needs. 

Start by determining what’s important for your daily life—whether it’s access to vibrant nightlife, quiet, tree-lined streets, or access to nature. Houston’s diverse neighborhoods each offer unique advantages; The Heights and Montrose buzz with eclectic shops and vibrant eateries, appealing to those seeking a dynamic urban experience, while West University and the Memorial area offer more tranquil and laid-back vibes. 

Understanding the commute and transportation options available in each neighborhood is equally important. Houston's extensive network of highways and public transportation options play a critical role in daily commutes, so be sure to consider how the location of each potential neighborhood will impact your travel to work and places of interest.

Ideally, you’ll be able to visit potential neighborhoods at different times to get a sense of the community dynamics, level of activity, and general noise. Engage with residents to hear firsthand experiences and insights. This direct interaction can provide a deeper understanding of what it would be like to live there, ensuring the neighborhood you choose aligns not just with your needs but also with your personality and lifestyle preferences.

Can I save money when buying a Houston home?

Saving money when buying a home can mean different things to different buyers, be it exploring more affordable neighborhoods or sacrificing on space and amenities. But if you’re looking for ways to put actual cash back in your pocket, you’ll want to leverage commission rebates.

The most essential benefit of working with the right buyer’s agent is taking advantage of commission rebates, as the only way to secure a rebate is by working with a brokerage that offers them. 

In essence, a rebate is a portion of the buyer’s agent commission paid by the owner given back to you after closing on a home. In a scenario where the seller agrees to pay for the buyer’s agent commission, you would stand to benefit from the rebate once you close. 

Prevu currently offers the largest rebate in Texas, allowing buyers to potentially receive up to 1% of the home’s final purchase price via the brokerage’s Smart Buyer Rebate. The extra cash can be indispensable in helping to offset closing costs, replenish savings, or simply renovate or furnish your new home. 

Is the home’s infrastructure sound?

A cursory inspection may not always be enough when it comes to ensuring the home’s foundational structure is solid. 

Houston's soil, for instance, is highly expansive, which can lead to significant foundation problems if not properly managed. This soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry, causing the foundation to shift, crack, or even break. This can often cause structural damage to the home, including uneven flooring, cracks along the walls and ceilings, and doors and windows that don’t close properly.

The property's drainage system is another key point so be sure to ask about its condition and whether any work has been done on it lately. 

Ensuring that the home has adequate drainage solutions to manage heavy rains, which are common in the area, is crucial. This includes checking for properly functioning gutters and downspouts and ensuring the landscape directs water away from the foundation.

Additionally, the age and condition of the plumbing system, especially regarding the potential for underground leaks, are important to consider. Older homes in Houston might have original cast iron plumbing which can corrode or deteriorate over time, leading to leaks that further destabilize the foundation soil. Such issues are not only costly to repair but can also cause extensive damage to the property over time if not addressed.

What is the age of the roof?

Houston's climate can be harsh on roofing materials, with intense heat, humidity, and occasional severe weather.

The age of the roof can greatly influence a home's maintenance needs and insurance costs. Generally, a typical asphalt shingle roof, the most common type used in Houston, has a lifespan of 15 to 30 years depending on the quality of materials and workmanship. However, factors such as proper installation, ventilation, and regular maintenance can extend or reduce this lifespan.

Determining the exact age of the roof can be done by checking with the current homeowner for records of installation or replacement. 

Alternatively, during the home inspection process, a professional inspector can assess the condition of the roof, estimating its age and noting any signs of wear and tear that might necessitate repairs or replacement in the near future. Signs to look out for include missing, cracked, or curling shingles, wear around roof objects and openings, and signs of moisture or water damage in the attic.

Are the major systems in good condition?

While old appliances and decor-related issues are often easy enough to fix, major systems like HVAC and electricity are not.  

It's vital to assess the condition of electrical, plumbing, and heating systems to ensure they are up to current standards and in good working order. A well-maintained electrical system is essential for safety and should be equipped to handle modern demands. This includes having a modern circuit breaker panel, properly grounded outlets, and no outdated or exposed wiring. 

The plumbing, meanwhile, should exhibit efficient water pressure, quick drainage, and be free of leaks, which are crucial for preventing future expensive repairs.

In Houston's hot climate, the air conditioning system's functionality is particularly critical. The system should efficiently cool the house without overconsuming energy. Checking the age and maintenance history of the HVAC system can help you gauge its longevity and how much longer it will efficiently serve the new home. Systems typically last 10 to 15 years, but well-maintained units can operate longer.

Homes for sale in Houston, TX

Interested in buying a home in Houston? Browse listings and see how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.