Buying a house is one of the most consequential life decisions most people will make. It’s not only about choosing the right place to live; it’s a significant financial investment that you’ll (hopefully) benefit from for years to come.
With so much at stake, asking the right questions when buying a house is crucial. Here, we list out all the essential questions to consider—from your initial motivations to the closing process—to ensure you get the answers you need to make a well-informed decision.
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Questions to ask yourself about why you want to buy a house
Many questions are important to answer early in the home search process—or, better yet, before it even begins. Prior to spending months trawling through listings across numerous sites, clarify how ready you are, your motivations, your expectations, and so on.
- Why do I want to buy a house (for stability, investment, space, status, etc.)?
- Am I ready for the responsibility of homeownership (including taxes, maintenance, repairs, HOA fees, and more)?
- Am I ready to settle down in one place for years to come?
- What are my priorities for choosing a house and area to live in?
- What required features and specifications are non-negotiable in my future home?
- What nice-to-haves am I willing to skip if necessary?
- What types of properties and features would be a hard pass?
- Do I understand the entire process of buying a home?
- Is this the right time in my life to buy, or would it be more sensible to continue to rent?
In some cases, people start looking for homes and attending showings only to realize they aren’t actually ready to buy a property. Or, they waste time looking at houses that don’t fit their lifestyle or financial situation. Preparation is half of success—you’ll thank yourself for thinking through one of the biggest decisions of your life thoroughly and early.
Questions to ask about your finances
After you decide you’re ready to become a homeowner, along comes perhaps the most essential set of questions: financial readiness.
- How do I plan to finance my home purchase?
- What’s my budget, and how did I determine it?
- Do I have the financial stability recommended to purchase a house?
- How much can I afford for a down payment?
- What’s my credit score, and what effect will it have on my mortgage rate?
- Am I eligible for any homebuyer assistance programs?
- What monthly payments am I comfortable with?
- Will I have an emergency fund and cash left over after the purchase?
An honest assessment of your financial situation will help you understand how much home you can afford. It will also dictate where you buy and ensure the process—and your future in the home—goes smoothly.
Questions to ask prospective agents
A realtor will help you find the right home, negotiate with sellers, prepare the paperwork, and so much more. Here are the key questions to ask as you search for the right realtor:
- How long have you been working in real estate?
- How well do you know the local market?
- Do you specialize in particular types of properties (e.g., luxury homes, starter homes, etc.)?
- Can you provide references from your previous clients?
- Are you a full-time or part-time realtor?
- How many clients are you currently representing?
- How will you work with me over the course of the homebuying process?
A knowledgeable, trustworthy real estate agent will become your biggest asset during the homebuying process. Be sure to interview a few agents to find the right fit before signing a representation agreement.
Questions to ask about your house
When you find a home you like, dig deeper. Learn as much about the place as possible to avoid costly surprises and buyer’s remorse and ensure it suits your needs. We’ll break this down into four sections:
General questions to ask about the house
When you come to a viewing, you can learn more about the property by asking the seller or the seller’s agent the right questions:
- How long has the house been on the market?
- Why do the current owners want to sell?
- Are there any known issues with the house?
- Have there been any recent renovations or repairs?
- What can I expect to be included in the sale, and what will be removed?
- What’s the history of the property?
Questions about fees and costs
Additional monthly expenses may come with the purchase, and they can add up quickly. Asking these questions will help you understand the full costs of owning your house:
- Are there any HOA fees?
- What are the local property taxes?
- What monthly utility costs might I expect?
- How much is the homeowners insurance?
Remember, being a homeowner involves being responsible for maintenance, taxes, insurance, and more—not just the monthly mortgage. Make sure you’re mentally and financially prepared for these additional expenses that are likely to come your way.
Questions about the neighborhood
The surrounding area will impact your quality of life and the home’s long-term value both today and for years—or even decades—into the future. So, take some time to figure out if the location aligns with your expectations and lifestyle.
- How is crime in the area?
- What are some of the amenities and retail options nearby (e.g., parks, grocery stores, shopping malls)?
- How do the schools in the area stack up?
- Are there any planned developments or zoning changes?
- What does the community makeup look like (e.g., young professionals, families with children, retirees, etc.)?
Also, when learning more about the neighborhood, try to speak with nearby homeowners. They can share their perspectives and provide valuable insights as a more impartial third party.
Questions for the home inspector about the property’s condition
A home inspection is your opportunity to discover any hidden problems and issues with the house before you commit. When you get an inspection report, you should have a clear answer to questions like:
- What’s the overall condition of the house?
- Are there signs of any structural issues?
- Are there any urgent repairs to make? What about less serious ones?
- How much will the recommended repairs likely cost?
- Are there any code violations or safety concerns to be aware of?
- Is there any evidence of mold, water damage, or pests?
- Is the property located in a flood zone or subject to other environmental risks?
The results of the inspection can help you negotiate repair responsibility or sway your opinion one way or the other based on hard facts. A good conversation with the home inspector—and the report they’ll finalize—means you can make an offer knowing everything you need to know about your future home.
Questions to ask when making an offer
If you decide to make an offer on a house, clarity and strategy are key. Answers to the following questions will help you extend a strong offer and understand subsequent steps:
- What contingencies should be included in the offer (e.g., financing, inspection, appraisal)?
- How much is the earnest money deposit?
- What’s the expected timeline for closing if and when the offer is accepted?
- Will the seller cover the buyer’s agent fees?
- If the offer is accepted, what are the next steps?
An informed offer can save you money, help beat competition, and reduce the risk of unexpected issues arising. For example, by knowing to include an inspection contingency, you’ll be able to renegotiate the purchase price or obtain credit for repairs if any larger issues are uncovered.
Questions to ask when closing on a home
The closing is the final step of the homebuying process to prepare for. It involves finalizing the transaction and the legal transfer of ownership. This is also your last chance to ask these questions:
- What do I need to prepare for and expect at closing?
- What are the final closing costs, and who’s responsible for them?
- When will I assume full ownership and be handed the keys?
- Who should I contact if I have any questions or issues after closing?
Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork ready before attending the closing. Also, have a clear understanding of what the process entails. When in doubt, connect with your trusted agent to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Bottom line
If you’re considering buying a property, especially as a first-time homebuyer, you’ll likely have plenty of questions. That’s absolutely normal! Leave none of them unanswered. After all, asking the right questions at every step of this journey could help you save time, money, stress, and problems down the road.
An experienced real estate agent will likely be able to answer many of the questions you’ll have and guide you throughout the process. When you’re ready to hire a professional broker to act on your behalf, check out Clever’s selection of top-rated agents in your area.