You might like what you see at an open house, but don't make a decision until you've asked some probing questions. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of an open house. It's staged beautifully, it smells great, and there's a friendly agent pointing out the charming details and thoughtful upgrades. It's important to look at a home with a critical eye. From requesting a sellers' disclosure form (if they're not readily available) to asking pointed questions about each space, you can leave any open house with a pretty good idea of whether you'll want to make an offer or keep moving.

The kitchen

It's usually fairly obvious whether the kitchen was recently renovated. It doesn't hurt to inquire when the kitchen was last renovated and specifically ask, "How old are the appliances, and are all of them functional?" Refrigerators last, on average, 11 years; gas ranges, 16 years; electric ranges, 14 years; range hoods, 14 years; ovens, 14 years; and dishwashers, nine years.

The living room

Take in all you see, then look down if you're walking into a carpeted home, be sure to inquire about what is underneath the carpets "If you're able to pull back a portion and actually take a look, do so. The last thing you want to find out, post-closing, is that you're dealing with subflooring that has major issues."

The bedrooms

Not all master bedrooms are created equal. Ask what the dimensions are, make sure your furniture will fit. This is also important information to know about the secondary bedrooms, especially if you have a particular setup to accommodate. Measure the rooms don't rely on the measurements on the listing sheet.

The bathrooms

Do more than just look at the bathrooms. Lots of problems could be happening here, and you should find out if any are. Ask about knocking pipes during a shower, which could lead to a leak or a pipe coming free from its mountings. Low water pressure, dripping sinks, poor drainage, and not enough hot water are other problems you should know about. Do not be afraid to turn on the faucets, checking to see that water pressure is adequate and that the hot water is working.

The roof

A new roof is expensive. So get some information. Ask the roof's age and what kind of roof it is. In general, asphalt shingles last 15 to 20 years; metal roofs last 20 to 40 years; wood shingle and shake roofs last 20 to 30 years; and tile and slate roofs last 50 or more years.

The add-on

Many sellers can't wait to tell you about their new addition especially if they're charging more for this bonus room. But you need to know more. Is it a legal addition? You'll want to know the answer before you put an offer on the table.

The yard

Regarding the yard, find out where the property line begins and ends. You'll want to know just how much land you're buying. If you've fallen in love with a children's play set, make sure to ask if it stays with the home. suggests that home buyers get a document stating what's being communicated. "If the seller's agent states it's legal to have your mother-in-law in the tiny house in the back, get it in writing." Home buyers should get a document stating what's being communicated. You should also inquire about any homeowner's association regulations regarding fencing or a pool. And if there is a pool or hot tub, inquire about its condition.

General house questions

After going room by room, look at the whole house, paying attention to items that will be expensive to replace, such as appliances, the electrical, heating, and air-conditioning systems, plumbing, and water heaters. Find out if any of the home's appliances and systems are covered by a home warranty. Also ask how often the home's appliances and systems have been serviced. Ask for the last two years of maintenance records and utility costs. This will give insight into past maintenance and an estimate of utility charges for the home.

If you have a nagging feeling you still missed something, never fear. Ask a question that covers it all. "Is there anything else I should know about the house?" That way, you let the agent do the talking without having to know what to ask about.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Angel Fire or Taos, look to New Mexico Mountain Properties for all of your Real Estate needs. Our warm and inviting staff will help you get exactly what you are looking for, like our majestic mountain homes for sale in Angel Fire will give you the mountain setting you may want while our unique Taos homes for sale will let you get in touch with your creative side. Our Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire condos for sale will put you right next to all the winter activities. If you're looking to build your own home, then our Angel Fire and Taos land for sale will give you the freedom to create your own dream home. If you are seeking to live totally off the grid, then look to our Taos Earthships for sale. Whatever you're looking for we can help you find it. Give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos or 575-770-3306 to speak directly to an agent. We are here to serve and welcome you to our spectacular area.

Information obtained from Trulia