Before You Buy a Home, Know What Questions to Ask

Buying a home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for a first-time homebuyer. You may know the asking price, square footage, neighborhood, and estimated payment. But what about the property’s history?

When was the roof replaced? Has the HVAC system been updated? Were renovations completed, and were permits potentially required or issued? Could warranties exist for major repairs or systems? These are the questions that can turn a general impression into more useful due diligence.

Property research designed to help buyers prepare

Stratigence Property Intelligence Reports™ compile publicly available property information into an organized report that helps buyers prepare for conversations with sellers, real estate agents, inspectors, and other professionals involved in the homebuying process.

Depending on the report selected and the information available for a particular property, research may include property and ownership history, reported repairs or improvements, approximate renovation dates, possible permit activity, assessment and tax information, sales history, and questions buyers may want to ask the seller.

The purpose is not to tell a buyer what to think about a property. The purpose is to help the buyer know what to ask about it.

Especially helpful for first-time homebuyers

First-time homebuyers are expected to make significant financial decisions while navigating a process they may have never experienced before. A beautiful kitchen or newly renovated bathroom can be impressive, but an informed buyer may also want to know when work was completed, who performed it, whether documentation is available, and whether warranties transfer to a new owner.

Many first-time buyers simply do not know which questions to ask. If publicly available information suggests work may have been performed several years ago, the report may recommend asking the seller to confirm what was completed, when it occurred, whether permits were necessary, whether permits were obtained, and whether supporting documentation or warranties remain available.

We research. You verify.

Public records can provide useful information, but they can also be incomplete, outdated, inconsistent, or unavailable. Stratigence does not present every research finding as a verified fact about a property. Instead, we identify potentially relevant information and help buyers understand what they may want to validate.

A useful question might be: “Publicly available information suggests work may have been completed around this time. Can you confirm what was done, who completed it, and whether permits, receipts, inspections, or warranties are available?” The report gives you information, questions, and talking points. The seller and appropriate professionals help you confirm the details.

Property Intelligence and home inspections work differently

A professional home inspector evaluates the physical condition of a property based on their inspection and expertise. Stratigence researches available information related to the property and organizes that information into useful questions. One evaluates the physical home. The other provides additional research and historical context.

A buyer may use information from a Property Intelligence Report™ to ask an inspector to pay closer attention to a particular area, renovation, addition, or system. Stratigence does not replace your inspector, realtor, attorney, title company, lender, appraiser, contractor, or other qualified professional. We help you arrive at those conversations better prepared.

The goal is not more information. It is better questions.

Stratigence helps turn property research into practical questions: What major repairs have been completed? When were they completed? Were permits required or obtained? Are warranties still active or transferable? Is documentation available for renovations? How old are major property systems? Are there improvements the inspector should examine more closely?

The answers may give you greater confidence in the property, or identify areas you want to investigate further. Either outcome is valuable.

Choose the level of Property Intelligence you need

Stratigence offers three levels of Property Intelligence Reports™. The Standard report is suited to early-stage buyers and general property research. Comprehensive provides a more detailed review for buyers actively considering an offer. Premium offers the broadest available research and preparation for a major purchasing decision.

Explore the Property Intelligence packages to choose the research depth that fits your property search.

Know the property before you buy

You should not have to become a property-records expert before buying a home. Stratigence researches available information, organizes it, and identifies potential questions. You validate important details with the seller and appropriate professionals, then make the decision.

Before you make an offer, or before you reach the closing table, give yourself another layer of information to work with. Know the property before you buy, sell, invest, or renovate.

Frequently asked questions