Our agent said she couldn’t talk about kids, schools, etc… but the neighbors certainly can. We had narrowed it down to a couple houses and then did some random knocking on doors, which was a nightmare for my introverted self. We got great info, though — including photos and videos of some major water and drainage issues that weren’t being fully disclosed at one house. We lucked out in that everyone we talked to was very talkative and forthcoming with info.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. Why are the previous owners leaving or selling?

I ask every time and never had any agency refuses to answer it, true or not.

What is the point of the question?
People sell and move on average every 7 years. ( Job changes, divorce, down sizing etc…

I’ve always received answers. Usually it’s something like: they want more space, they are downsizing, divorce, they want to be closer to work/school/the water/family elsewhere.

Anonymous wrote:Are these questions okay to ask at an open house if I have truly liked the house and feel like making an offer.
1. Why are the previous owners leaving or selling?
2. Are there already offers on this house?
3. Does the neighborhood have kids?

Yes! Ask all of these questions!