16 home buying questions you should ask

Navigating the complexities of home buying can be daunting, but armed with the right questions, one can uncover crucial details that are often overlooked. This article distills the wisdom of industry veterans, offering invaluable insights on everything from maintenance costs to zoning regulations. Whether a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, these expert perspectives will empower readers to make informed decisions when evaluating a potential home.

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  • Hidden Maintenance Costs
  • Foundation Engineering Report
  • Drainage Patterns During Heavy Rains
  • Potential Restrictions or Zoning Regulations
  • HOA Special Assessments and Major Projects
  • What Am I Not Seeing Here?
  • Home’s Electrical System and Upgrade Costs
  • Future Neighborhood Changes
  • Major Repairs or Replacements in Five Years
  • Seller’s Ownership Duration and Reason for Selling
  • Age of Roof and HVAC Systems
  • Previous Owner’s Least Favorite Thing
  • What the Neighborhood Is Really Like
  • Heating Bills and Energy Efficiency
  • Additional Costs Beyond the Mortgage
  • Seller’s Flexibility on Terms

Hidden Maintenance Costs

I wish I had asked, “What unexpected maintenance or repair costs have previous homeowners encountered here?” Early in my buying process, I focused on the big-ticket items like roof age, foundation condition, and HVAC system. While those are critical, I overlooked more minor, cumulative issues like outdated wiring, an aging sewer line, and subpar insulation. A year after closing, these hidden problems started popping up, and I found myself juggling multiple repair bills that weren’t in my original budget. Had I known these costs upfront, I could have negotiated differently or allocated funds more wisely.

I advise anyone buying a home to dig deeper into potential long-term maintenance. Beyond a standard inspection, consider specialized checks like sewer scope inspections or energy audits. If the seller or neighbors mention past problems, investigate thoroughly to see if they might recur. Don’t be afraid to ask for detailed repair records, especially if the home has had multiple owners. Also, an emergency fund should be set aside for maintenance surprises that might surface in the first year. Understanding the property’s history of repairs saves you money and spares you the stress of constant, unplanned expenses.

Johnny Austin, Manager, Home Offer Express

Foundation Engineering Report

The one question every homebuyer should ask but often doesn’t? “Is there a foundation engineering report? Was the foundation professionally inspected?” As a Texas Realtor, I make it a priority to educate every buyer—whether they’re purchasing their first home or adding to their investment portfolio—about the critical importance of foundation reports. Texas soil, particularly our expansive clay, is highly reactive to moisture changes, leading to shifting foundations that can result in significant structural issues.

The challenge is that foundation problems aren’t always immediately visible. A newly renovated home might look flawless, yet warning signs like minor wall cracks, sticking doors, or subtle floor unevenness can signal deeper structural movement. If overlooked, foundation repairs can easily exceed $10,000—turning an exciting purchase into a costly mistake. That’s why I strongly recommend that buyers invest in a foundation inspection by a licensed engineer.

For approximately $400, this assessment provides a clear understanding of the home’s structural integrity, helping buyers avoid unexpected expenses and future regret. A home is only as strong as the foundation it rests on. Asking the right questions today can prevent costly surprises tomorrow.

Hilary Schultz, Co-Founder, Uncle Tex Buys Houses

Drainage Patterns During Heavy Rains

Having renovated countless homes, I really wish I’d asked about the drainage patterns during heavy rains—we ended up discovering water pooling issues that weren’t apparent during our initial visits in dry weather. I now tell my clients to visit properties during or right after rainfall if possible, and to chat with neighbors about any historical flooding or water problems in the area.

Bryan Melchert, Owner, Mitten Home Buyer

Potential Restrictions or Zoning Regulations

One question I wish I had asked during my home buying process is, “Are there any potential restrictions or zoning regulations that could impact how I use or develop the property?” Understanding these factors ahead of time could save a lot of trouble later, especially when planning modifications or building projects. My advice for others is to not just focus on the property itself but to carefully evaluate the surrounding area and its long-term prospects.

For example, consider future development plans in the neighborhood, local tax rates, and the availability of essential utilities. Take time to review the HOA or community guidelines, if applicable, as they can sometimes impose unexpected rules. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions and have a seasoned real estate professional or attorney by your side to guide you through. It’s often the overlooked details that can make a huge difference in the overall experience.

Billy Rhyne, CEO & Founder | Entrepreneur, Travel expert | Land Developer and Merchant Builder, Horseshoe Ridge RV Resort

HOA Special Assessments and Major Projects

I’ve learned that buyers often forget to ask about HOA special assessments and upcoming major projects, which bit me personally when I had to pay an unexpected $5,000 assessment for new roofs six months after buying my first home. Now I always advise my clients to review HOA meeting minutes from the past year and specifically ask about planned improvements or potential special assessments.

Hilary Schultz, Owner, Bright Bid Homes

What Am I Not Seeing Here?

Homebuyers overlook one of the most important questions: What am I not seeing here? As a real estate expert, I’ve learned that the biggest surprises in homeownership often come from what’s not immediately apparent during showings or inspections. It’s not just about whether the house looks great—it’s about understanding the full picture, from future development plans in the area to how the home functions in different seasons.

For example, buyers rarely ask about how the home handles heavy rain until they’ve lived through their first storm and realize the backyard turns into a pond. They don’t think to check the morning traffic patterns until they’re stuck in a bottleneck just trying to leave their driveway. These are the details that separate a good decision from a great one.

My advice? Don’t just evaluate the home as it is today—consider how it will live in the months and years to come. Research upcoming zoning changes, spend time in the neighborhood at different hours, and think about how the home will work for your lifestyle in the long run. The best real estate decisions aren’t just about the house itself; they’re about seeing the bigger picture before you sign on the dotted line.

Justin Landis, Founder, Justin Landis Group

Home’s Electrical System and Upgrade Costs

I wish I had asked more detailed questions about the home’s electrical system and potential upgrade costs, as we later discovered outdated wiring that needed a complete overhaul costing $12,000. From my experience helping homeowners, I always suggest getting a specialized electrical inspection beyond the standard home inspection, since these hidden issues can really impact your budget and renovation timeline.

Michael Yerardi, Owner, Turning Point Home Buyers

Future Neighborhood Changes

When buying a home, one of the best questions to ask is how the neighborhood is likely to change in the future. It’s easy to get caught up in the house itself—price, size, and features—but the area around it can have a huge impact on its long-term value. I always suggest looking into things like new developments, local businesses, and future city plans. A home might seem like a great deal today, but if the neighborhood is on the decline, it could hurt your investment down the road. Doing a little research about the area’s potential can save you from a big surprise later.

When it comes to buying a home, try to think of it as more than just a place to live. Consider the bigger picture—things like good schools, easy access to public transportation, and nearby shops and parks can make a huge difference in your property’s value over time. Take the time to visit the neighborhood at different times, chat with the locals, and check how the area has changed in recent years. Even if you plan to live there for a while, treating it like an investment helps ensure it stays valuable in the long run. A little extra thought can go a long way in making the right choice.

Betsy Pepine, Owner and Real Estate Broker, Pepine Realty

Major Repairs or Replacements in Five Years

One question I wish I had asked during my home-buying process was, “What major repairs or replacements should I budget for in the next five years?” While a home inspection provides a snapshot of a property’s condition, I didn’t fully consider the timeline for big-ticket items like the roof, HVAC system, or plumbing upgrades.

My advice to others is to go beyond the inspection report and ask the seller or inspector about the expected lifespan of critical systems and appliances. Understanding potential future costs allows buyers to budget appropriately and avoid unexpected financial strain soon after moving in.

Yancy Forsythe, Owner, Missouri Valley Homes

Seller’s Ownership Duration and Reason for Selling

“How long has the seller owned the property, and why are they selling?” That question can reveal a lot. If they have owned it for only a short time, there might be underlying issues like structural problems or difficult neighbors. If they have been there for decades, it could mean the home has been well-maintained, or it could need modern updates.

I always tell clients to go beyond the listing details. Knock on a few neighbors’ doors, visit the street at different times of the day, and research city plans. A home might seem perfect, but if a high-rise is planned next door or the area floods every summer, that changes things. A good deal is not always just about the price, make sure the home fits your long-term needs.

Sebastian Wade, Real Estate Consultant, Eden Emerald Buyers Agent

Age of Roof and HVAC Systems

If you’re buying an older home, one crucial question to ask is: How old are the roof and HVAC systems? These components don’t last as long as the house itself and can be expensive to replace. On average, roofs last about 20 years, while HVAC systems typically need replacement after 10 years. A new roof can cost $25,000 or more, and an HVAC system can easily set you back $4,000, depending on the type. If you don’t factor in these potential expenses upfront, you might face unexpected costs sooner than expected, which can put a strain on your budget.

Robin Cherian, CEO, The Canadian Home

Previous Owner’s Least Favorite Thing

Something I didn’t ask, but have since learned: what was the previous owner’s least favorite thing about living in the house? It’s all in the way you ask the question, people are expecting to ask about problems, issues, fatal flaws—and they’ll have prepared a diplomatic answer, like you do at a job interview. But ask about their least favorite thing and you might learn some hidden truths about the property. The lack of light at certain times of day, or problematic neighbors, bad soil in the garden—any number of things can be revealed, if you know how to ask the right questions.

Rick Berres, Owner, Honey-Doers

What the Neighborhood Is Really Like

If you are in the buying process, one of the most important questions to ask is what the neighborhood is really like. A home can look perfect on paper, but the area around it affects your daily life just as much as the house itself.

Look into local amenities like grocery stores, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options. A beautiful home is great, but if you have to drive twenty minutes for basic necessities, that can get frustrating fast. Crime rates are another factor to check. Some areas look safe during the day but may have different activity at night. Talking to neighbors or checking local crime reports will give you a better picture of what to expect.

Mark Sanchez, Founder & Senior Real Estate Manager, Tropic Residential

Heating Bills and Energy Efficiency

Always ask what their heating bills are like. It gives a big insight into the energy efficiency of the property and will help you budget for insulation measures and heating costs over the coming years. Mobile signal and broadband speed are also critical if you work from home—essentially, the more you can find out, the better!

Kim Allcott, Partner, Allcott Associates LLP

Additional Costs Beyond the Mortgage

A question that can help many people during the buying of a house is, “What additional cost can I incur apart from the mortgage?” We were so busy looking for the perfect loan and house that we did not consider additional expenses like the insurance of the house, property taxes, and even maintenance, which were an afterthought. Our expenses outpaced our projections, and, although we were living comfortably, had to adjust our monthly budget.

If I had the choice, I would ensure that the financial repercussions of the property are understood in their totality before the signing of any deals. It is important to speak with the lenders and real estate agents about all potential costs, even those that are not easy to foresee—for example, the seemingly increasing expenses for the utilities. It is very easy to develop a positive bias toward a house, however, you must ensure that purchasing it does not put too much strain on your finances past the mortgage.

We should have done better in terms of proactively preparing for the less favorable options. What we learned is that buying a home is not just about mortgage plans. You buy a home for your family, where they will be residing for an extended period, which makes planning and affordability crucial. Stress can be avoided and your new home can be fully appreciated, provided that you put in the right amount of effort through planning and asking the right questions.

Eugene Lebedenko, Owner, Dream Stuff

Seller’s Flexibility on Terms

One question I wish I had asked during my home-buying process is whether the seller had any flexibility on terms beyond just the price. Many buyers focus solely on numbers, but sometimes sellers are willing to cover closing costs, offer repairs, or adjust timelines to make the deal smoother.

My advice to others is to think beyond just the purchase price and negotiate terms that work for your situation. Understanding the seller’s motivations can unlock creative solutions that benefit both parties. Whether it’s a flexible move-in date or seller financing options, looking at the big picture can save money and reduce stress in the long run.

Johell Aponte, Founder, Move On House Buyers – We Buy Dirty Houses

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