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Written byKat Tretina
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Kat TretinaInsurance Writer
Kat Tretina is a personal finance writer for Compare.com, specializing in insurance and debt management. For the past seven years, she’s been writing for several notable personal finance publications, including U.S News & World Report, NerdWallet, Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, Fortune, and more. She’s passionate about using her expertise to help people understand their financial options.
Kat earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Elizabethtown College and her master’s from West Chester University. She also holds certifications in financial education and student loan counseling.
Kat has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
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Edited byMatthew Gross
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Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
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In This Article
Now could be a good time to buy a home. Around 1.5 million homes were listed for sale in July 2025. That’s up nearly 16% from the previous year, according to the National Association of Realtors.[1] More inventory is good news for buyers, as it means less competition and more negotiating power.
Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you can make. Whether you’re buying your first home or a second investment property, the process can be intimidating. But asking questions is the best way to prepare and can help you avoid costly mistakes.
In this guide, we’ll share 50 critical questions to ask when buying a house so you can feel confident in your decision.
10 Questions to Ask When Starting Your Home Search
Before you start scrolling through available houses or scheduling tours, think about what you want in a home and set a budget. Figuring out your priorities and what you can comfortably afford will help you avoid falling in love with a house that’s beyond your budget.
Ask yourself these 10 questions to narrow down your search:
What’s your budget?
How much do you want to put down?
What type of area or neighborhood do you want to live in?
What’s your time frame for buying?
How much space do you need?
Do you want a newly renovated house or a fixer-upper?
How long do you expect to live in this house?
Are you buying a house primarily as an investment?
How important is the school district?
What other factors are important to you in a home?
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7 Questions to Ask When Picking a Realtor
The right realtor can be an invaluable resource when shopping for a home. A skilled and experienced realtor knows the local market, can spot red flags, and negotiate a competitive offer. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, a realtor can even recommend mortgage lenders and contractors.
Asking about a realtor’s experience, availability, fees, and communication style can keep you from hiring someone who doesn’t fit your needs. Here are some questions to ask prospective realtors:
How long have you worked in real estate?
Do you typically work with buyers or sellers?
What’s your experience in this market, specifically?
When are you typically available for showings?
How do you prefer to communicate with clients?
What’s your buyer agent fee?
How do you handle potential conflicts of interest?
8 Questions to Ask When Picking a Lender
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Your mortgage lender is another important part of the homebuying process. The right lender will guide you through multiple mortgage options, discussing interest rates and closing costs to help you get the right loan for your budget.
Shopping around for the right lender could save you thousands over the life of your loan. You may even qualify for special programs with lower down-payment requirements or first-time homebuyer incentives. If you rush this step, you could end up with unnecessarily expensive mortgage payments.
It’s always a good idea to get mortgage quotes from several lenders. As you shop around, here are some questions to ask lenders about your home loan options:
What mortgage products do you offer?
What does the approval process look like?
What are your credit qualification criteria?
What fees do you charge?
What type of interest rate can you offer?
Do you offer rate locks?
Do you sell mortgage points?
How quickly can you close?
13 Questions to Ask When Looking at Houses
As you start visiting properties, it’s easy to get caught up in details like quartz countertops and beautiful backyards. But it’s important to look beyond decor and luxury features. You should research crime rates, the home’s age, property condition, utilities, parking, and maintenance costs. Answering these questions can help you plan for future repairs and avoid costly surprises.
For example, if you find out the property is in a flood zone, you may need to factor in added insurance costs. You may need flood insurance in addition to standard homeowners insurance. And if the roof is more than 15 years old, you may need to budget for a roof replacement in the near future.
Below are some questions you should ask the listing agent when shopping for a new home:
When was the house built?
What recent repairs or upgrades have been made?
How old are the appliances?
How old are the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems?
How old is the roof?
What’s included in the sale?
What’s the neighborhood like?
What schools are nearby?
What are the property taxes?
What are the average utility costs?
Are there any condo or homeowners association fees?
Is the house in a flood zone or other high-risk climate area?
Is there any evidence of asbestos, lead paint, radon, or mold?
12 Questions to Ask When Making an Offer
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You’ve toured several properties, and at last, you found the right home. Making an offer is the next big step. Your offer contract will outline everything from home-inspection contingencies to appraisals and deadlines. Making the most competitive offer will provide extra peace of mind.
Asking your agent these questions before putting in an offer will help you know exactly what you’re committing to:
How does the offer work?
What contingencies should you include?
Will the seller pay all or part of the buyer agent fees?
How big should your earnest money deposit be?
When do you need to provide earnest money?
When should you expect to hear back from the seller?
How quickly do you need to reply to a potential counteroffer?
How should you expect to sign the paperwork?
What are the next steps if the seller accepts your offer?
What are the next steps if the seller doesn’t accept your offer?
How far out is the potential closing date?
How does closing work?
Homebuying FAQs
Even with a checklist of important questions to ask when buying a house, you may need more information. Check out these answers to some other common questions about buying a home.
What questions should you ask before buying a house?
Before buying a house, ask the listing agent about the home’s age and condition to avoid costly surprises — especially if you’re considering waiving the inspection. The roof, septic tank, and HVAC systems are some of the most important and expensive factors to consider. You can also ask about the neighborhood and school district.
What types of questions should you ask when looking at a new home?
When looking for a new house, ask either your agent or the seller’s about the builder’s reputation, construction materials, the land the home is built on, and any warranties that may come with the house.
What are some red flags when buying a house?
Red flags when buying a house include foundation cracks, unprofessional renovations, water damage from plumbing issues, outdated wiring, or high homeowners association (HOA) fees. These costs can make homeownership a nightmare, so it’s crucial to ask the right questions.
What are some things you shouldn’t do before buying a house?
If you plan to buy a home, it’s a good idea to avoid taking out new loans, opening new credit cards, or switching jobs. You could sabotage your chances of closing the sale if you do.
What should you ask when viewing a house that’s for sale?
When viewing a house, ask the listing agent about recent upgrades, local schools, typical utility bills, and what appliances or furniture the sale includes. You should also consider how far the house is from where you work. A long commute can ruin an otherwise perfect home.
What kinds of questions should you ask when getting pre-approved for a mortgage?
As you start the mortgage pre-approval process, ask prospective lenders about special homebuyer programs, interest rates, qualification requirements, and closing timelines. Knowing this information can help the rest of the homebuying process go smoothly.
Should you create a house checklist when shopping for a home?
Yes. When shopping for a house, you may forget key details or mix up properties. Make a checklist and take notes to help you remember important aspects of a particular home.
Related Articles
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Sources
- National Association of Realtors. "Existing-Home Sales."
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Kat TretinaInsurance Writer
Kat Tretina is a personal finance writer for Compare.com, specializing in insurance and debt management. For the past seven years, she’s been writing for several notable personal finance publications, including U.S News & World Report, NerdWallet, Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, Fortune, and more. She’s passionate about using her expertise to help people understand their financial options.
Kat earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Elizabethtown College and her master’s from West Chester University. She also holds certifications in financial education and student loan counseling.
Kat has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.