Buying a house is a complex process. It requires preparation and a deep understanding of the steps involved. To navigate it successfully, homebuyers need to ask the right questions at each step—of sellers, agents, and even themselves. In this guide, we’ll cover all the important questions to ask when buying a house.
💡Get the best agent on your side: Advocating for yourself by asking questions goes a long way when buying a house, but an experienced agent will do wonders. We recommend finding an agent through Clever Real Estate. It’s a free tool that matches you with top agents from the best brokerages in your area—think Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams, and more. Plus, you can qualify for cash back when you buy a home with a Clever agent. Find agents near you.
Questions to ask yourself about why you want to buy a house
Your homebuying process should start with a reflection on why you want to become a homeowner. Even if you’ve already been casually browsing through real estate listings, start with these questions to define your overall goals, commitment, and capabilities:
- Why do I want to buy a house right now?
- Am I looking to buy a long-term residence, investment property, or vacation home?
- Am I prepared for the additional responsibilities that come with homeownership?
- How long do I plan to live in this home?
- Could renting be a better option for me at this stage?
- What amenities or features are non-negotiable for me?
- How flexible am I regarding the size, location, age, or type of home?
Taking the time to learn more about these fundamental motivations and expectations for homeownership is crucial to avoid biting off more than you can chew. Your answers will help ensure that your decision is well-founded and tailored to your true, attainable needs — and can serve as a strong foundation for what comes next in the process.
Questions to ask about your finances before buying a house
If the answers to the questions above only further confirm that you’re ready to become a homeowner, it’s time to look closer at your finances. The responses to these questions will help you better prepare for the purchase and avoid costly surprises.
- What’s the maximum price I can pay for a house?
- How am I going to finance this purchase?
- How does my current credit score affect my mortgage rate?
- Do I have stable employment and income, and do I still feel confident about buying a house if that should change?
- Do I have enough stashed away in a savings or emergency account should a problem arise?
- Do I have enough for the down payment?
- Can I cover other associated expenses (closing costs, moving costs, repairs, etc.) without too much struggle?
- Will I have savings left over after the home purchase?
- What’s my debt-to-income ratio?
Being honest with yourself about what you can afford will help you avoid wasting time on unattainable properties. What’s more, keep in mind that the costs can add up quickly right after buying and moving into a new home (think furnishing, unexpected renovations, etc.), so it’s better to be overprepared financially.
Questions to choose a realtor when buying a house
A realtor is meant to be your trusted guide in the world of homebuying. We can’t stress enough the importance of choosing a great real estate agent.
Finding one who understands your needs—and can act on them—is almost as important as choosing the right home itself. They can help you buy your dream home faster and with less stress. Take your time and find the right match by asking these questions:
- How much experience do you have working in this area?
- How long have you been a realtor?
- How many potential buyers do you represent at a given time?
- Do you work mostly with buyers or sellers?
- What’s your primary area of expertise (single-family homes, investment properties, luxury homes, etc.)?
- How many homes have you closed on in the past year?
- How do you approach the negotiation process?
- Can you provide recent references?
The right realtor will guide you through the process, answer any questions along the way, and deal with many of the difficult aspects involved in buying a home. Interview a few agents until you find the one that fits you and seems up to the task.
👋 Want an easier way? Let Clever Real Estate do the heavy lifting for you. Clever vets thousands of agents nationwide based on performance, communication, and more. We'll match you with the best one in your area for free. Plus, you can qualify for cash back when you buy with a Clever agent. Get matched with the best agents near you today.
Questions to ask a seller when choosing a home
Sellers expect buyers to ask a lot of questions. After all, a home may very well be the most significant purchase in the buyer’s lifetime.
As a future homeowner, you want to feel certain of your choice and uncover any potential issues. Many of the important answers you’re seeking will come from the seller or their agent.
- How long has the property been up for sale?
- Will I (as the buyer) need to make any necessary renovations or repairs?
- What repairs or renovations have been done since you purchased the property, and have any insurance claims been filed on it?
- What’s included in the sale (e.g., appliances, furniture)?
- Why are you selling the place?
- In what condition are the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems?
- What are the average monthly utility bills I can expect to pay?
- How much are the annual property taxes and insurance?
- Are there any outstanding code violations on the property?
- Are there any boundary disputes?
- Is the home located in a flood, hurricane, or earthquake zone?
By asking these questions (and later verifying the accuracy of the answers), you’ll better understand the home, its history, and its condition.
Questions about the location and neighborhood
Knowing as much as possible about the house itself is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters. If you’re looking at a new neighborhood or city, confirm whether the area fits your needs and lifestyle with these questions:
- What’s the shopping and dining situation (grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, etc.)?
- Are there any parks, libraries, gyms, or pools nearby?
- How do the local schools rank?
- What’s the neighborhood’s crime rate, and is it trending up or down?
- How have prices in the area changed over the last few years?
- Are there any planned developments or infrastructure projects that could impact the area?
- What’s the ratio of owner-occupied homes to rentals?
- Is there a homeowners association (HOA), and, if so, what are the rules and fees?
- What are the best and the worst aspects of this neighborhood?
Though asking opinions of the homeowners and their neighbors is important, check out the area yourself a few times. For example, visit during rush hour, on a weekend afternoon, and after dark to see how it feels at different times of the day and week.
Questions to ask your home inspector
An inspection is the ideal time for a homebuyer to learn about hidden problems and costly repairs. When handed any inspection results, make sure you obtain answers to all of these questions:
- Are there any serious issues with the house?
- Are there any immediate safety concerns?
- Which repairs are urgent, and which are recommended?
- Does the house require any ongoing maintenance?
- Are there any foundational or structural issues?
- Have you noticed any signs of water damage or mold?
- In what shape are the plumbing and electrical systems?
- Are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors present and in working condition?
Hopefully, these questions about the property will strengthen your already-informed decision about whether you want to make this place your future home.
Questions to ask before and during an offer
Once you set your heart on a particular property, it’s time to make an offer. Asking questions at this stage will help you protect your interests and negotiate confidently and effectively.
- How should an offer be submitted (e.g., directly to the seller, through the seller’s agent, through an attorney)?
- How much time does the seller have to respond to the offer?
- Should I include a financial, inspection, appraisal, or other contingency?
- Have there been any previous offers, and, if so, why did they fall through?
- What amount is expected for the earnest money deposit?
- Are there any specific deadlines or timeframes I need to meet?
- What’s the closing date?
Your real estate agent will guide you through these questions and advocate for your best interests. If you have any concerns, ask for clarification or request more information before submitting an offer.
Questions to ask before closing on a home
Closing on a home is a fairly quick process, but it requires meticulous preparation and getting all your paperwork in order. Here are some questions to ask yourself (and your real estate team) before closing day:
- What documents do I need to bring to closing?
- Have I secured homeowners insurance, and does my lender have proof?
- What are the final closing costs? Who will cover them?
- When will I officially own the home and receive the keys?
- Are there any last-minute changes to the agreement that might surprise me?
Asking these questions before closing makes you more likely to catch any last-minute errors. They’ll also help you better understand your responsibilities so you can move into your home with confidence and peace of mind.
In conclusion
Buying a house is more than just a transaction; it’s a major decision that can shape your future. By asking the right questions and clarifying any doubts, you’re more likely to make the right choice and enjoy your new home for years to come. Use this guide as a checklist, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when needed.