Buying a house can be a stressful and expensive process, so due diligence is key to ensuring your huge commitment pays off. While most buyers ask about the home’s history, roof, and neighborhood, these lesser-known questions can reveal hidden problems. Was the home previously used by a business? If a business was run from the house, old customers may show up, deliveries may continue, and you might inherit lingering disputes. Knowing its history can help you avoid surprises. Has the house ever been struck by a car? If the home is near an intersection, hill, or blind curve, ask if it has been hit before. Some houses have been struck multiple times due to persistent road hazards. While rare, if a house has been hit by a car once, the conditions may persist, as seen in homes hit multiple times over the years, like this home in San Jose that's been hit 23 times. What exactly will I own? Don’t assume everything on the property is included. Confirm that the backyard, appliances, or even finished basements are part of the sale to avoid costly surprises. Do all the outlets work? Older homes may lack sufficient outlets, and some sellers install nonfunctional ones for show. Testing them with a voltmeter can prevent electrical headaches later. Is the home considered historic? Historic designation can impose renovation restrictions and extra costs. Check with local authorities to avoid unexpected limitations. Why and when exactly was the basement renovated? A recently updated basement in an otherwise outdated home may indicate past flooding. Investigate to ensure you’re not buying into future water damage. Is there a buried tank on the premises? Old oil tanks can leak, posing environmental and financial risks. Ensure any buried tanks were properly decommissioned to avoid liability. Are the trees in good condition? Poorly maintained trees can fall, harbor pests, or create neighbor disputes. Ask about past maintenance and inspections to gauge future costs and risks. Asking these questions before purchasing can save you from unexpected and costly issues down the road.