Questions to Ask Your Realtor (and Yourself) Before Buying a Home: Helping You Stay Focused on What Really Matters

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially if you’re not sure what to ask or what to focus on.

Many buyers get distracted by things like trendy décor or fancy extras, but those aren’t always the most important factors. The real key is asking the right questions—both to your realtor and to yourself—so you make a smart choice that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Let’s go through the questions that can help you buy a home you’ll love for years to come.

1. “What’s my total budget—not just the price of the home?”

It’s easy to think your budget is only about the purchase price, but owning a home comes with other costs too. Property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities all add up. Before you start house-hunting, figure out how much you can comfortably afford each month—not just for the mortgage, but for everything else as well.

Ask your realtor to help you estimate these costs for each home you’re considering. This way, you’ll know if a property fits your budget before you fall in love with it.

2. “Is this location right for my lifestyle?”

Even if a house looks perfect, the location can make or break your happiness. Think about your daily routine—commutes, school runs, grocery shopping, or even just how you like to spend your weekends.

Ask yourself:

• How far will I need to travel for work, school, or errands?
• Is the neighborhood quiet or busy?
• Are there parks, shops, or restaurants nearby?

Your realtor can give you insight into different neighborhoods and help you match your lifestyle to the right location.

3. “What are the must-haves versus the nice-to-haves?”

Before you start touring homes, make two lists: one for things you absolutely need and one for things you’d like but can live without.

Must-haves might be:

• A certain number of bedrooms
• A home office
• A yard for pets

Nice-to-haves might be:

• A pool
• A big walk-in closet
• Fancy countertops

Sharing these lists with your realtor helps them focus your search and prevents you from getting distracted by features that aren’t essential.

4. “What’s the condition of the home?”

Looks can be deceiving—fresh paint and staged furniture might hide bigger problems. Always ask your realtor about the age and condition of major systems like the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating and cooling).

If the home is older, factor in the possibility of repairs or replacements. Your realtor can guide you on when to bring in a professional inspector to check for hidden issues before you commit.

5. “How competitive is the market right now?”

In a hot market, homes can sell within days—or even hours. Knowing how competitive things are will help you set the right expectations.

Ask your realtor:

• How fast are homes selling?
• Are there usually multiple offers?
• What’s the average sale price compared to the asking price?

This information will help you decide how quickly to act and how strong your offer should be.

6. “What’s the resale potential?”

Even if you think this is your forever home, life can change. It’s smart to consider how easy the home would be to sell later.

Your realtor can give you insight into local demand, popular features, and neighborhood growth that could affect the home’s future value. Choosing a property with good resale potential protects your investment.

7. “Does this home fit my long-term plans?”

Think about how your life might change in the next 5–10 years. Will you need more space for a growing family? Do you want a yard for kids or pets? Will you want to downsize later?

Buying a home that fits your future needs can save you from moving again too soon. Your realtor can help you weigh the pros and cons of each property based on your long-term vision.

8. “What’s included in the sale?”

Not everything you see during a showing automatically comes with the house. Ask your realtor exactly what’s included—appliances, window treatments, light fixtures, or even outdoor items like sheds or playsets.

Knowing this ahead of time prevents surprises and helps you budget for anything you might need to buy later.

9. “What’s the true cost of living here?”

Beyond the mortgage, think about other costs:

• Utility bills (heating, cooling, water, internet)
• Commuting expenses
• Homeowners association (HOA) fees, if any
• Lawn care or snow removal

Your realtor can help you estimate these expenses so you have a complete picture of what living in the home will actually cost.

10. “Why is the seller moving?”

This is a great question to ask through your realtor. The answer might reveal important details—like if the seller needs to move quickly, which could give you room to negotiate. Or, it might point to an issue with the home or neighborhood that you should investigate further.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is a mix of heart and head. It’s okay to get excited about a beautiful kitchen or a sunny backyard—but your decision should be based on more than just looks.

By asking these questions (and listening to your realtor’s advice), you’ll stay focused on what matters most: finding a home that truly works for your budget, lifestyle, and future.

The more you prepare now, the fewer surprises you’ll face later—and the more confident you’ll feel when you finally get the keys.