Questions from a Newbie

So DH and I have just started the house hunt! We have an appointment with a mortgage lender next week to be pre-approved but we have a pretty good idea of the price range we should be looking at. This is our second weekend going to open houses to see how much our budget gets us in different towns. It's all very fun and exciting.

The thing is - I feel like I have no idea what I'm looking for at these open houses. I know what I'm supposed to ask - how old is the boiler, the windows, the roof? But... what's the right answer for that? I mean, I have no idea what the life span of a boiler is. I saw a house yesterday with a 20 year-old boiler and the REA acted like that was a selling point, but isn't that old? And does it matter if the oil tank is above ground or underground? And I know "Anderson windows" sounds good, but why?

For the time being I ask these questions, listen to the answers, and nod knowingly but I feel so lost!

Re: Questions from a Newbie

Do yourself a favor and get your own agent if you guys are seriously looking... Dont just go to these open houses and listen to what the seller's agent has to say... They are working for the seller not you ya know?

Where are you looking around? We're working with DH's uncle whose an agent if you need a rec!

PS: I have no idea about the specifics of a house either, but thats where a buyer's agent could come in handy