When you’re shopping for a home, asking lots of questions isn’t just a good idea — it’s one of your most powerful tools. The right questions can help you avoid surprises and negotiate with confidence. (And let’s be real, surprises are great for birthdays, but not so much when you’re buying a house!)
Here are ten smart questions to ask that will help guide you from pre-approval all the way to closing day:
1. What can I actually afford? Before you fall in love with a house, it’s important to understand what fits comfortably in your budget. It’s more than just the monthly mortgage payment — factor in the down payment, insurance, potential HOA fees, ongoing maintenance, and any upgrades or repairs you’re planning to make.
And if you’re putting down less than 20%, don’t forget about PMI (private mortgage insurance).
The best way to get a clear picture of your price range? Get pre-approved. Not only will it help you shop smarter, it’ll also make your offer more competitive if there are multiple bids.
2. Is the seller motivated? Understanding why the seller is moving can tell you a lot. Are they relocating for work? Downsizing quickly? The more motivated they are, the more flexible they might be on price, repairs, or terms.
Also, ask: how long has the house been on the market? If it’s been sitting for a while, you might have more room to negotiate. Your agent can help dig into this info — and sometimes even uncover key details that might influence your decision.
3. How does this home compare to others nearby? A great home isn’t just about what’s inside — the neighborhood and surrounding market matter too. Your agent can pull comparable sales (aka “comps”) from the last few months to help you see if the home is priced fairly.
Look at list vs. sale price, price per square foot, and how long similar homes stayed on the market. This info helps you make a smart offer and know when to ask for seller concessions, like help with closing costs.
4. Are there any risks I should know about? Some homes come with added risks, like being in a flood zone or near fault lines. These can affect your insurance costs — and your peace of mind.
For flood risks, check FEMA’s flood map. And ask your agent to request a CLUE report from the seller. It shows all insurance claims made on the property in the past seven years — giving you insight into issues like water damage or fire that could affect your future premiums.
5. How old are the appliances and major systems? A shiny kitchen is great — but what about the stuff behind the walls? Ask about the age of the furnace, A/C unit, water heater, and major appliances.
If anything’s near the end of its life span, consider negotiating a home warranty into the sale or asking for a seller credit to help cover future replacement costs.
6. What’s the roof situation? Roofs aren’t cheap — and they don’t last forever. Knowing how old it is (and what shape it’s in) is important, especially because a bad roof could delay or even block your mortgage approval.
If it’s older or looks worn, your inspector can give you a heads-up — and you can factor that into your negotiations.
7. What’s included with the house? Fixtures like cabinets and faucets usually stay, but what about the fridge, washer/dryer, or that backyard swing set?
If there’s anything you love that’s not nailed down, be sure to ask. You can even include specific items in your offer — just make sure the agreement is in writing!
8. Are there any known problems with the house? Sellers are required to disclose any known issues, and the inspection report will give you a deeper look. Review both closely — and don’t hesitate to ask your agent about anything that seems unclear or concerning.
For older homes, make sure there’s documentation on any past problems with hazardous materials like lead paint, asbestos, radon, or mold — and how they were resolved.
9. What’s the neighborhood really like? Don’t rely solely on what the seller says — take a few drives through the area at different times of day. Chat with neighbors if you can.
Ask about traffic, noise, pet-friendliness, and local schools. Online tools like Nextdoor, school review sites, and crime maps can also give you a fuller picture of the community vibe.
10. What happens at closing, and what will it cost me? Closing day is when the home officially becomes yours — but it comes with costs. In addition to your down payment, you’ll pay for things like title services, lender fees, and escrow charges.
These closing costs usually run between 2–5% of the purchase price (for a $250,000 home, that’s $5,000–$12,500). You’ll receive an official breakdown of these costs a few days before closing — compare it carefully to your original loan estimate and flag any surprises with your agent or lender.
Final thoughts: Buying a home is a huge milestone — and asking the right questions will help you make the best decision for your future. The more informed you are, the smoother (and less stressful!) the process will be.