25 Questions To Ask At A Home Showing

“Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.”

Tony Robbins

Over the course of the home buying process, you will ask thousands of questions and receive answers that may spark even more questions. Asking the right questions will give you the important information you need to make a truly informed decision.

As a Realtor, I find that many buyers fail to ask several important questions during home showings. I recommend asking the following questions at every home showing. After all, an educated buyer makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.

Questions to Ask at a Home Showing

1. Why is the property owner selling?
2. How long has the property been on the market?
3. How many times has the price changed, and why?
4. What is crime like in the neighborhood?
5. Are any new buildings, homes or streets going to be built soon?
6. How is the property zoned?
7. When does the seller want to move?
8. How is the neighborhood?
9. When was the last time major updates were done to the house?



10. What is the condition of the roof?
11. What is the condition and age of the heating and cooling systems?
12. Has the sewer ever backed up?
13. What problems, if any, does the house come with?
14. What comes with the property? (Ex: window treatments, fire pit, shed)
15. How much do utilities cost?
16. How much are the property taxes?
17. What is the electrical system rated for?
18. Has there ever been a busted pipe?



19. Ask yourself: Based on the sales price, can I afford the average of 1.5% of the value of a home to be paid in home maintenance every year?
20. Have there been any foundation problems?

Related: Myths about home inspections.

21. Have there been any infestations?



22. Has there ever been any criminal activity associated with the property?
23. Does the seller have documentation for major systems?
24. How is the insulation in the attic?
25. How many offers have been made on the property?

These questions often come up as the home buying process continues forward, but you can save yourself time and money by getting the 411 right away. The MLS does provide quite a bit of information, but it doesn’t give you the whole picture.

Remember, the seller has placed their home for sale. The burden of showing the value of the property rests solely with them.

Did I leave something out? Please add more questions to ask at a home showing in the comments.