Key Questions to Ask Your Real-Estate Agent Before Making an Offer

26 September 2025

Buying a home isn't like picking out a new pair of shoes—it’s a serious financial commitment that requires some deep thinking. You don’t want to rush in, fall in love with a house, and throw your money at it without asking the right questions first. That’s where your real estate agent comes in.

Your agent isn't just there to open doors and hand over a contract—they should be your guide, your confidante, and your voice of reason. But how do you make sure they’re giving you the full picture? By asking the right questions!

Before you put in an offer on that dream home, make sure you grill your real estate agent with these key questions.

1. What’s the Home’s History?

Would you buy a used car without asking about its accident history? Same goes for a home. You need to know what you’re walking into.

Ask about past owners, any major repairs, and how long it’s been on the market. If it’s been sitting for months with no offers, that could be a red flag. Maybe there’s a problem lurking beneath the surface.

Bonus tip: Find out if the home has changed hands frequently. If owners keep bailing after a couple of years, there might be something fishy going on.

2. What’s the Neighborhood Like?

You’re not just buying a house—you’re investing in a whole neighborhood. Does it have good schools? Parks? Is it safe at night, or do you need to clutch your purse a little tighter after sunset?

Your agent should know the area well enough to give you honest answers. If they brush it off with a generic “It’s a great community,” push for specifics.

Also, ask about future developments. A peaceful street today could turn into a noisy construction zone tomorrow.

3. Why Are the Sellers Moving?

This is a sneaky but brilliant question. If the sellers are relocating for work, great! If they’re running for the hills because of bad neighbors, skyrocketing crime, or a house that’s falling apart, you need to know.

Your agent may not always get the full scoop, but any hesitation or vague answers could be a clue that things aren’t as perfect as they seem.

4. How Long Has This Home Been on the Market?

If the house has been available for months, the sellers may be desperate—and that can give you a major advantage in negotiations.

On the flip side, if it's barely been listed and already has multiple offers, you might need to act fast or risk losing out.

5. What’s Included in the Sale?

You don’t want to show up on move-in day only to realize the fancy chandelier and high-end appliances were not part of the deal.

Ask what’s included—appliances, fixtures, even outdoor sheds or hot tubs. Some sellers take everything with them, while others might throw in extras. It never hurts to clarify upfront.

6. What’s the Real Price Tag?

The sticker price is just the beginning. Ask about hidden costs—property taxes, homeowners association (HOA) fees, maintenance costs, and utilities.

If the home comes with a jaw-dropping HOA fee, that “affordable mortgage” might not be so affordable after all.

7. Any Signs of Structural Issues?

A fresh coat of paint can hide a lot of sins. But what about the foundation? The roof? The plumbing?

Your agent should be able to spot red flags. If they shrug off concerns, that’s a bad sign.

Even if everything looks fine, always invest in a professional home inspection. It’s worth every penny.

8. How’s the Market Right Now?

Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? If homes are flying off the shelves, you might need to act fast. If buyers are scarce, you could negotiate a great deal.

A knowledgeable agent should have data on recent sales, the average time homes stay listed, and pricing trends.

9. Are There Any Pending Offers?

Nothing stings more than getting your heart set on a house, only to find out someone else beat you to it.

Your agent should let you know if there are competing offers, so you can decide whether to go all in or look elsewhere.

10. Can You Recommend a Great Home Inspector?

A good agent will have a list of trusted home inspectors. Why does this matter? Because a bad inspector could miss costly problems, leaving you stuck with pricey repairs later.

If your agent hesitates or suggests skipping the inspection—run.

11. What’s the Seller's Timeline?

Are the sellers in a rush, or are they happy to wait for the right offer?

Knowing their timeline can give you leverage. If they need to move fast, they might be more willing to negotiate. If they’re in no hurry, you might not have much wiggle room on price.

12. How’s the Resale Value?

Even if this is your “forever home,” life happens.

Ask about the home’s resale potential. A good agent should be able to assess whether the property will hold its value or if you’re buying into a potential money pit.

13. What Are the Zoning Rules?

Thinking about adding a pool, building a guest house, or running a business from home? Check the zoning laws first.

Some neighborhoods have strict rules that could throw a wrench in your future plans.

14. Are There Any Major Upcoming Repairs?

A house may look picture-perfect now, but what about in five years?

Ask about the roof’s age, the HVAC system, and any upcoming maintenance needs. You don’t want to move in just to be hit with a massive repair bill.

15. How Negotiable Is the Price?

Some sellers list high, knowing they’ll have to come down. Others price aggressively and expect to get asking price (or even more).

Your agent should know which type of seller you’re dealing with and help you craft the perfect offer.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is a huge decision, and your real estate agent should be your greatest ally.

By asking these key questions, you’ll go in with eyes wide open and avoid costly surprises. After all, you wouldn’t marry someone without asking a few questions first—so why should buying a house be any different?

Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to push for the answers you need. Happy house hunting!