26 Questions to Ask When Buying a House

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you’ve bought before, knowing what questions to ask when buying a house ensures a smooth process from the moment you find an agent to the day you close. Although you probably have many questions, we’ve found some of the most common questions home buyers ask.

Here are 26 questions to ask when buying a house — whether you’re thinking ahead, working with a real estate agent, or actively going through the process.

4 questions to ask before buying a house

1. What is my home-buying budget?

Understanding your budget will prevent you from ending up with a house you can’t afford in the long term and help you plan more efficiently for the upfront costs of buying a home, such as a down payment and closing costs. It’ll also help you determine which neighborhoods and types of homes to look for and whether you need to save more money before starting your home search.

You can use our Affordability Calculator to get an idea of your home-buying budget.

2. How much do I need for a down payment?

While putting down at least 20% is ideal, plenty of homebuyers qualify for down payments as little as 10% or even 3%. However, it’s important to remember that the size of your down payment will determine how much money you’ll borrow and pay interest on. It also plays a role in the mortgage terms and rates you can get, whether you’ll pay mortgage insurance, and your loan approval. 

When determining your down payment amount, consider how it’ll affect your long-term borrowing costs. You’ll want to think about your financial situation, as your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio (DTI) will all factor into the minimum down payment amount you qualify for.

3. What type of home and neighborhood are best for me?

The location of your new home can affect everything from your commute to work to how much you’ll pay in property taxes. When it comes to choosing the right neighborhood, you’ll want to consider the following:

• Distance from work, schools, parks, restaurants, and public transportation
• Distance from grocery stores and retail stores, such as post offices, dry cleaners and gyms
• Distance from friends and family
• The property values in the area
• Future development plans
• What the community there is like

4. How much are closing costs?

Closing costs typically include loan-related fees, such as application processing, origination, title search, appraisal, and other administrative tasks. While your closing costs will vary depending on the type of loan you get, you can expect them to run you between 2% and 5% of the home’s purchase price. Your actual closing cost fees are outlined in the initial Loan Estimate, and then Closing Disclosure, which is a document you’ll receive within three business days of your closing date. These documents detail lender fees and the amount you’ll have to pay at closing, including your down payment. Use Zillow's closing cost calculator to estimate the fees you'll pay at closing on a home purchase.

10 questions to ask when looking at a house

1. Is this home in a natural disaster zone?

Living in an area that experiences severe weather events, such as hurricanes, tornados, or wildfires, means protecting yourself with the right insurance coverage. Most homeowners insurance companies will require you to buy additional policies, called riders, to ensure protection from the specific natural disasters that your new home may be prone to. If this is the case, you may want to review your home-buying budget to ensure you can afford the additional costs associated with these rider policies and damage from severe weather events.

2. What’s the neighborhood like?

While you may have chosen the home based on your lifestyle criteria, you’ll still want to inquire about the community you’ll potentially be living in. Is it a quiet neighborhood? What are the surrounding neighborhoods like? What are the neighbors like? These are all things you’ll want to ask the seller and any neighbors you have the chance to speak with to ensure you’re making the right choice.

3. Does it need any major repairs or renovations?

While a home inspection will reveal the condition of the house, the seller may also be required to disclose certain conditions, such as lead paint, depending on the state in which the property is located and the loan program. Hazardous conditions, such as mold, faulty electrical wiring, lead paint, etc., will devalue the property and may make the home in-eligible for a home loan unless the seller corrects the issue. These will likely require additional home inspections, and negotiations between the buyer and seller may reopen, delaying the home sale process.

If you’re interested in buying a fixer-upper, you can use the likely costs of repairs and renovations to your advantage when negotiating the sale price. Some home loans, including an FHA 201(k), even allow you to include funds to cover renovations in your home loan. Be sure to check with your lender to see if they offer this mortgage option.

4. How old is the roof?

The average roof’s lifespan is around 25 years, depending on how well it was maintained and the materials used to build it. Buying a home with a roof near its end can lead to costly repairs, potential interior damage, and eventually a costly replacement. Many homeowners insurance companies also won’t insure a roof that’s already 20 years old, which means you may have to work out a new price with the seller or agree on a sale contingency that involves the seller fixing or replacing the roof before closing.

5. How old are the appliances?

Major appliances, like HVAC systems and water heaters, can cost thousands of dollars to replace. You’ll want to find out the age of all the appliances in the home to determine whether you need to factor in the cost of new ones into your home buying budget. You may also be able to use appliances that are on their last legs as bargaining chips when it comes to negotiating the home sale price or seller concessions.

6. How much do utilities cost?

Utilities will be a part of your ongoing homeownership costs, which is why you’ll want to get a sense of how much you can expect to pay each month. Depending on the location and the type of appliances in the home, utilities can become expensive. The national average for the cost of utilities for a recent buyer in the U.S. is $3,426 annually, according to Zillow analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau 2022 American Community Survey. This includes the sum of utilities for electricity, gas, water and heating fuel. Be sure to inquire about seasonal cost spikes as well to prepare yourself for fluctuations.

7. What is the reason for selling?

Finding out what’s motivating the seller can provide you with valuable insight and negotiating power. For example, if the seller is relocating for a new job, they may be looking for a quick sale. Asking these types of questions will inform your buying process and may give you the advantage.

8. How long has the house been on the market?

According to Zillow data, the average home remained on the market between 31 and 35 days in 2024. A house that sits on the market for longer than average can mean two things: The seller may be willing to come down on the price, or there’s an issue with the house that keeps buyers at bay. Once you find out why or if the home is on the market for longer than average, you can choose if and how you’d like to move forward.

9. How much are other homes in the area selling for?

Finding out how many other homes in the area and surrounding areas are selling will tell you whether the home you’re looking at is selling at a fair price. You can ask your real estate agent for this information, and they’ll generate a report called a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to show you what similar homes are selling for on the current market. You can also check out the home values in your area with our home values index.

10. What’s included in the sale?

Not all sellers leave their washers and dryers or other appliances or window treatments behind. Different states also have laws regarding what can be included in the sale of a home, so you’ll need to verify the specifics with your real estate agent and the seller to determine what to budget for. The transfer of personal property, like a piano or vehicle, will likely need to be handled outside the purchase contract.

5 first-time homebuyer questions

1. Do my financial factors qualify me for a loan?

If you’re planning to start searching for a home soon, you’ll want to review your financial situation to ensure you meet lenders’ qualification criteria, which are generally as follows:

• A minimum 620 credit score
• A DTI of 35% or less (although some lenders and loan programs will allow up to 50%)
• A steady income and up to two years of employment history

These criteria will vary based on the lender and loan program. Lenders will also consider your down payment amount and whether you have any cash reserves, as these factors can bolster your mortgage application. Speak with one of our loan officers at Zillow Home Loans* to learn more about your mortgage options.

2. How much does it cost to buy a home?

Understanding the short and long-term costs of buying a home is crucial. You want to ensure you can afford the upfront costs, such as the down payment and closing costs, in addition to your monthly mortgage payments, mortgage insurance, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, property taxes, maintenance, and other ongoing costs.   

3. How do I find a lender?

Finding the right lender to suit your financial circumstances means knowing where to look. It’s a good idea to start with your bank or credit union to see what they can offer you based on your financial criteria and relationship with their institution. You can also ask for referrals from friends and family. According to Zillow’s 2023 Home Buying Trends report, about two-thirds of mortgage buyers (66%) reported using a real estate website or app when determining their financing options. Two-thirds also reported using a referral from their real estate agent or mortgage broker. A referral may not always be the best option for you, whether it’s from a friend, family member or agent. Shop around for two to three lenders to compare their offers before making a final decision.

4. Should I work with a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker is someone who has a network with various mortgage lenders and can help connect you with the right loan product. While working with a mortgage broker isn’t required, it can help speed things up if you’re having trouble finding the right lender or loan product on your own.

5. What are my homeownership goals?

A home is a significant and long-term purchase, so it’s important to think about the future and potential lifestyle changes. Young couples looking to start a family may want to consider a home with three to four bedrooms and a backyard, while a single home buyer may be looking for a smaller starter home that they can eventually sell. Think about what you need out of a home and how long you plan to live in the same home to help you plan your budget and search. This may look like the home you were born into, not the home you left after high school.

7 questions to ask your real estate agent when buying a house

1. How long have you worked in real estate?

A real estate agent who’s been in the industry for a while will have experience working with diverse clients and markets. An experienced real estate agent will also have time-tested negotiation techniques, established relationships with other real estate professionals like mortgage brokers and lenders, and provide essential guidance when it comes to finding the right home for you. 

Connect with an experienced Zillow Premier Agent partner today.

2. Do you usually work with buyers or sellers?

While most agents work with both home buyers and sellers, you’ll find they tend to specialize in working with one or the other. When it comes to buying a home, you’ll want to ensure the agent you’re hiring specializes in working with buyers to ensure they have the knowledge and experience required in addition to your best interests.

3. What is your experience in this specific market?

A good agent will have experience in the specific market you’re looking to buy in. Whether you’re looking for a single-family home, condo, or investment property, you want to ensure your agent can help you find the best options within your preferred market.

4. What is your availability?

Real estate agents can work part-time or full-time, and they will also likely be working with more than one client. Ideally, you want to hire an agent who’s available on your schedule and can dedicate enough time to you to ensure they’re there for any critical emergencies, like bidding wars or closing issues. 

5. What is the best way for us to communicate?

Find out if your agent prefers to communicate via phone, email, or text — and then make sure their communication style aligns with yours. It’s also important to find out how often you can expect to be in touch, as this will create fluid communication that ensures no phone calls or important messages are missed, especially in a fast-moving market.

6. What is your strategy for helping me find the right home?

An experienced real estate agent will tailor their strategy to your specific wants and needs. In addition to taking the time to become familiar with your home-buying criteria, they should be able to apply those criteria to the current market to come up with a viable plan that streamlines the homebuying process.

7. How do you handle multiple offers?

While bidding wars aren’t as common as they may seem, you want to make sure your real estate agent has a plan regarding any competition. They’ll likely advise you to obtain mortgage pre-approval, so you can make a concrete offer right away, but you’ll also want to ensure they have a strategy for when to make a bigger offer or stand firm, or when to read between the lines regarding contingent and pending offers.

8 questions to ask a mortgage advisor or lender

1. What mortgage products do you offer, and which is best for me?

Among all the questions to ask your lender, one of the most important is about the types of loan products they offer and which is best suited for you. Depending on your financial situation, you may be a better fit for an FHA loan than a conventional loan. Ultimately, you want the loan to fit into your financial and homeownership goals rather than having to work harder and sacrifice more to keep up with your monthly payments and ongoing homeownership costs. 

2. What will my monthly payments be?

Your monthly mortgage payments are typically made up of PITI, which is the principal balance, interest, taxes, and insurance. Your lender should be able to provide you with an estimate for your monthly payments based on basic financial information, such as your credit score, DTI, and income. This will give you an idea of whether you can afford what the lender is offering.

3. What are your fees?

The lender’s fees are paid as a part of your closing costs. It’s important to ask your lender what their servicing fees are to prepare for closing as well as any other fees they may charge over time, such as prepayment fees or late payment fees. 

4. What credit qualifications do you require?

Lenders will have different credit score qualifications based on the financial institution and loan program. Most lenders require a 620 minimum credit score for conventional, USDA, and VA loans, while FHA loan lenders typically require a 580 minimum credit score with a 3.5% down payment or a 500 minimum credit score with a 10% down payment. 

5. What will my interest rate and APR be?

Mortgage loans typically come with two interest rates — annual percentage rate (APR) and mortgage interest. APR refers to the true cost of the loan, while interest reflects the cost of borrowing the principal amount. They’re also calculated and structured in your mortgage differently, which will affect how much you pay over the life of the loan.

6. Do you offer rate locks?

A mortgage rate lock is an agreement you make with your lender that your interest rate will remain the same until closing, regardless of market fluctuations. Rate locks can help keep your loan costs more predictable. Almost all lenders offer rate locks, but you can elect not to lock in your rate. You may decide not to lock-in if you anticipate rates going down. If you decide to lock in your rate, you can typically do so for up to 45 days. Sometimes rate locks will expire due to delays with the sale or loan approval. If this happens, you can extend the rate lock for an additional cost, which will add to your closing costs.

7. Do you offer mortgage points?

Mortgage points, also known as discount points, are prepaid interest to buy-down your rate. If your lender offers mortgage points, you can purchase them ahead of time to lower your interest rate. One point usually costs 1% of your loan and can lower your interest rate by 0.25%. If you don’t want to pay points, confirm with your lender that none are included on your loan. 

8. How long does your mortgage approval process take?

The mortgage approval process takes an average of 30 to 60 days to complete, but can take up to 90 days, depending on the lender’s underwriting process and the accuracy of the financial information you provide. Understanding how long your lender’s mortgage approval process takes can help you plan your home purchase more efficiently. Lenders usually work with you to close your loan by the set closing date in your purchase contract. If your lender requires additional time, you will want to discuss your lender’s approval time with your real estate agent to ensure it’s factored into the contract.

Most lenders also offer mortgage pre-approval, which typically takes less than a day to complete. If you get a pre-approval letter from your lender, you can move forward with home shopping or make an offer on the home you like.