15 essential questions to ask your real estate agent
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it comes with many decisions and uncertainties. To help, we turned to Realtors, Real Estate Brokers, and seasoned home sellers for their expert advice. From aligning your purchase with long-term goals to understanding fair market value, these fifteen essential questions will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the process confidently and make smarter choices.
- Align Home With Long-Term Goals
- Identify Issues From Home Inspection
- Understand True Cost Beyond Listing Price
- Check Property’s History And Renovations
- Ask About Handling Inspections And Repairs
- Explore Financing Options
- Budget For Ongoing Homeownership Costs
- Know Average Utility Costs
- Inquire About Market Duration And Price Reductions
- Understand Planned Neighborhood Developments
- Learn Steps To Buying A Home
- Ask About Property’s Service Charges
- Discover Hidden Homeownership Costs
- Check Property’s Zoning And Future Uses
- Determine Fair Market Value
Align Home With Long-Term Goals
For me, the most important question to ask a real estate agent during the home-buying journey is: “How does this home align with my long-term goals?”
In my opinion, buying a home isn’t just about finding something that looks great on the surface, it’s about ensuring the property meets your needs now and in the future. This question pushes the agent to think beyond the basic checklist of features like square footage or the number of bedrooms. It challenges them to consider the bigger picture, like whether the neighborhood supports your lifestyle, how the home’s layout could adapt as your family grows, or even how resale value might play into your financial plans down the line.
I’ve learned that asking this type of question helps you see if the agent is truly invested in your vision or just trying to close a sale. A good agent will have insights about local trends, zoning, and even the potential for renovations, making their response a critical factor in choosing not just a house, but a home that works for you on every level.
Adam Chahl, Owner / Realtor, Vancouver Home Search | Place Real Estate Team | Oakwyn Realty | Vancouver, BC REALTOR
Identify Issues From Home Inspection
I’ve found that asking, “What issues should I be most concerned about from the home inspection?” was the game-changer during my own home purchase years ago. The answer helped me identify potential deal-breakers versus minor repairs, and in one case saved me from buying a house with serious foundation issues that weren’t visible during showings. Now when clients ask me this, I make sure to explain how certain problems could affect their insurance rates and future resale value.
Judy Michaelis, Real Estate Broker, Judy Michaelis
Understand True Cost Beyond Listing Price
“What’s the true cost of this home beyond the listing price?”
This question was very important for me because, as a mortgage broker, I knew that the sticker price was just the beginning. I wanted to understand all the hidden costs that come with buying a home—things like property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potential HOA fees.
I remember looking at a beautiful house that seemed perfect on paper. But when we dug deeper, my agent helped me see that the property taxes were much higher than I expected. That could have thrown my entire budget off. So, asking about the total cost helped me avoid falling in love with a home that might have been financially out of reach once all those extra expenses were factored in.
Mike Roberts, Co-Founder, City Creek Mortgage
Check Property’s History And Renovations
One of the most important questions I asked my real estate agent was, “Can you provide a detailed history of the property’s previous owners and any major renovations or repairs?”
Several reasons made this question critical to understanding the property’s condition. It gave me insight into past renovations and repairs. By assessing the property’s maintenance history, I could determine whether any maintenance issues existed in the future.
As well as evaluating the property’s value and investment potential, the report served as an important tool for investors. Information on major renovations indicated whether the home had been updated to modern standards. This, in turn, impacted its market value and helped me determine if the asking price was justified.
Also, the property’s history helped me identify any potential red flags. For example, frequent repairs to key areas like the foundation or roof could signal underlying issues that were not immediately visible. Having this information also gave me a significant advantage in negotiations. Having knowledge of past repairs helped me request price adjustments or ask for specific repairs before closing.
Sal Dimiceli, Owner/Broker, Lake Geneva Area Realty
Ask About Handling Inspections And Repairs
I prefer to ask about handling inspections and repair negotiations. This question assesses the agent’s ability to advocate for necessary repairs or price adjustments after inspections. It’s crucial to ensure that you’re not saddled with unexpected costs after closing such as uncovered repairs.
It’s crucial because a thorough home inspection can uncover hidden problems that may not be apparent during a viewing. For instance, a leaking roof or faulty wiring can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Asking about how the agent handles inspections and repair negotiations shows their ability to protect your investment and negotiate on your behalf.
A reputable agent will have experience in these areas and can guide you through the process, ensuring that any necessary repairs are addressed before closing on the house. This question also gives insight into their communication skills and level of involvement throughout the entire home-buying process.
Luca Steinmetz, Founder & CEO, FarAwayHome
Explore Financing Options
The most important question I asked my real estate agent during my home-buying journey was about financing options. I wanted to understand not just the price of the property but how the financial side would work in my specific situation. This included knowing the best mortgage products available, how much I could borrow, and how different loan structures would impact my monthly payments and long-term costs.
This question was important because financing is the backbone of buying a home. Without the right mortgage in place, even the perfect property will become a financial burden. My agent helped me connect with the right mortgage professionals who explained options like fixed rates versus adjustable rates and the impact of things like prepayment privileges and amortization periods. That level of detail gave me a clear picture of how the financing would look in the short and long term, which helped me decide on the right property with confidence.
Shaun Bettman, Chief Executive Officer, Eden Emerald Mortgages
Budget For Ongoing Homeownership Costs
One of the most important questions I asked my real estate agent was, “What ongoing homeownership costs should I budget for beyond the mortgage?” Getting a clear picture of recurring expenses like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities helped my wife and me understand what we could truly afford.
Tyler Bliha, CEO, Abode
Know Average Utility Costs
One of the most important questions I asked my real estate agent was, “What are the average utility costs for this home?” This question was crucial because it helped me understand the overall affordability of the property beyond just the mortgage payments. Knowing the average utility expenses, such as electricity, water, and heating, allowed me to better assess my monthly budget and determine if I could comfortably manage all associated costs.
My agent provided insights into the efficiency of the home’s systems and any upgrades that had been made, which further informed my decision. This information was especially valuable as it highlighted potential hidden costs that could affect my financial stability. By considering utility costs, I was able to make a more informed choice, ensuring that the home I selected aligned with my long-term financial goals and lifestyle.
Bill Lyons, CEO, Griffin Funding
Inquire About Market Duration And Price Reductions
As a real estate executive myself, the most important question I asked was, “How long has the property been on the market, and have there been any price reductions?” This is key because it helps me gauge how much room I might have for negotiation. If a property has been sitting for a while, the seller could be more willing to accept a lower offer, which could save me money. It also helps to know whether the price was adjusted to reflect the market, ensuring I’m not overpaying.
Samantha Odo, Real Estate Sales Representative & Montreal Division Manager, Precondo
Understand Planned Neighborhood Developments
One of the most important questions to ask your real estate agent is: “What are the planned developments in this neighborhood over the next 5-10 years?”
This question matters because future development impacts your home’s value, your quality of life, and even your long-term costs. A quiet, tree-lined street might seem perfect now, but if there’s a major commercial project or zoning changes in the pipeline, the area could experience increased traffic, noise, or changes in property taxes. Conversely, a planned park, school, or transit hub could boost property values and make your home more desirable over time.
Let’s say you’re buying a home near undeveloped land that’s later turned into a shopping center. While convenient for errands, the increased foot and car traffic might not align with your vision of a peaceful neighborhood. On the flip side, buying into a neighborhood where infrastructure improvements are planned, like better roads or a greenbelt, can mean your investment appreciates faster than average.
To get clear answers, ask your agent to pull city or county development plans or even connect you with local planning offices. This extra layer of due diligence ensures you’re not just buying a house, but making a smart, long-term financial decision.
Chris Heerlein, Chief Executive Officer, REAP Financial
Learn Steps To Buying A Home
The best thing to ask a realtor is what are the steps to buying a home and to have them break it down. This way you as a buyer fully understand the process and can be prepared.
Lazaro Cocho, Real Estate Agent, Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners
Ask About Property’s Service Charges
One of the most important questions clients ask is: “What are the service charges for this property?”
In the UAE, service charges can range from AED 10 to AED 30 per square foot annually, depending on the property and community. For example, a 1,500 sq. ft. apartment in a premium community like Downtown Dubai could incur service charges of up to AED 45,000 per year. At the same time, a similar-sized property in a more affordable area like Jumeirah Village Circle might cost around AED 15,000 per year.
This question is crucial because these charges directly impact your expected ROI. For instance, if you’re investing in a property with a rental income of AED 100,000 per year, service charges of AED 30,000 would reduce your net income to AED 70,000, cutting your ROI by almost a third.
Being aware of these numbers helps clients make informed decisions and avoid surprises that could turn a great investment into a financial strain. It’s all about looking beyond the price tag to understand the full cost of ownership.
Lama Fardon, Property Advisor, Stage Properties Brokers LLC
Discover Hidden Homeownership Costs
“What are the hidden costs of owning this home?” I asked my agent. This question was crucial for me because it helped me understand the true cost of homeownership. I wanted to know about property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any potential surprises. My agent’s answer helped me factor these costs into my budget and make a more informed decision. It was a game-changer for me, and I recommend asking this question to anyone buying a home.
Asking about hidden costs also helped me avoid costly surprises down the line. I was able to plan and budget accordingly, which reduced my financial stress. In my experience, it’s essential to consider all the costs involved in homeownership, not just the purchase price. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to make a smart investment and enjoy your new home without financial worries.
Rory Donadio, CEO, Tribeca Lawsuit Loans
Check Property’s Zoning And Future Uses
When I purchased the property, my most pressing question was: “How does this property align with local zoning regulations, and what are its potential future uses?” In my line of work, location flexibility and compliance are critical, as we often need to store equipment, host workshops, or expand operations.
This question helped ensure that the property was not only compliant with current business needs but also adaptable for future growth or alternative uses, such as leasing or mixed-use development. It also sheds light on potential risks, like restrictions on commercial activities, that could limit the property’s long-term value or functionality.
Roy Adiputra, CEO, DPS Power
Determine Fair Market Value
I always ask agents how they determine the fair market value. This question reveals whether the agent relies on comparative market analysis, local trends, or intuition. It’s important because overpaying can jeopardize your finances and long-term investment potential. For instance, if the agent solely relies on CMA without considering other factors like neighborhood development or the condition of the property, they may not accurately determine the value.
Asking about their approach to determining fair market value also shows their knowledge and expertise in the local market. A competent agent should have a deep understanding of current trends, inventory levels, and pricing strategies. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 38% of buyers overpay on their home purchases.
This question allows the opportunity for the agent to showcase their negotiation skills by justifying their recommended price for a particular property. It also gives the buyer a better understanding of the current market and potential risks involved in their purchase. I would point out that if the agent is able to justify a lower price for a property based on market conditions, it could save the buyer thousands of dollars.
John Gill, Operations Director, easy Concrete Supply
