12 questions to ask when buying a house

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and there’s a lot to think about along the way. From figuring out your budget to getting a feel for the neighborhood, every step comes with its own questions. Knowing the right questions to ask when buying a house can save you money, help you avoid surprises, and give you confidence as you move toward closing.

Here, we’ll share 12 good questions to ask when buying a house, whether yourself, your real estate agent, or the seller, to help you fully understand the property before you make it yours.

1. What’s my realistic budget?

Before you even step foot in an open house, figure out what you can actually spend. Look beyond your savings account and think about your whole financial picture: how much you bring in each month, what debts you’re already paying off, and any future financial goals you don’t want to derail.

As a rough guide, experts often suggest spending no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs. That’s not a hard rule, and everyone’s situation is different. But having a clear number in mind keeps you from falling for homes that are out of reach and makes real estate agents more likely to see you as a serious buyer.

You can also plug your numbers into Better's Affordability Calculator, which factors in your income, debt, and local market conditions, to get a realistic idea of your homebuying budget.

To get the most accurate estimate, try Better’s pre-approval. It takes as little as three minutes and won’t impact your credit score. In just a few minutes, you’ll understand your homebuying budget based on your specific details. 

...in as little as 3 minutes – no credit impact

2. Why is the seller moving?

Knowing why the seller is moving can give you useful clues about the house and your room for negotiation. A job relocation, family change, or financial challenge creates a different dynamic than someone simply selling an investment property. If the seller needs to move quickly, they may be open to a lower purchase price or faster closing.

You or your real estate agent can ask this question directly during a showing or through the listing agent. The answer might reveal more than just their timeline. It could also hint at the property's condition, pricing flexibility, or how long they’re willing to wait for the right buyer.

3. What major repairs or updates has the home needed?

It helps to know what kind of work the home has needed over the years. Ask if there’ve been any big fixes to the HVAC, plumbing, electrical system, or roof. Sometimes, that history shows a property that’s been well cared for. Other times, a long list of major repairs could mean you’ll be dealing with more problems later on.

You can also ask to see receipts or permits for any big improvements. Renovations can add value, but they might also make you wonder why the property needed the work in the first place and if it was handled the right way.

4. How much are the ongoing monthly expenses?

When you’re figuring out what to ask when buying a house, think past the mortgage. Ask for a few recent utility bills to get a feel for typical month-to-month costs. You’ll also want to know what property taxes look like now and if anything’s coming up that might change them. Also, check on home insurance options early. Prices shift depending on the home’s location, its age, and the coverage you pick. Getting quotes ahead of time helps you see the full monthly picture before you make an offer.

5. What's included in the sale?

Before you get too far in negotiations, find out what actually comes with the house. Big appliances like the refrigerator, washer and dryer, or even light fixtures and window treatments don’t always stay. While walking through, jot down anything you think should be included and make sure it’s written into the purchase agreement.

It’s also smart to ask about outdoor stuff, things like lawn tools, patio furniture, and whatever’s in the shed. Getting this clear upfront saves arguments later and lets you know what you'll need to buy.

6. How’s the neighborhood changing?

Ask about upcoming construction projects, zoning changes, or new infrastructure planned for the area. These changes can influence factors like traffic patterns and the overall feel of the neighborhood, which impacts property values.

Visit the area at different times of day and on different days of the week to see how busy or quiet it gets and to get a feel for the community. Even if you don't have kids, check local school ratings since they also often affect home values and future resale potential.

7. What loan options am I eligible for?

Understanding which loan options you qualify for helps you choose the most cost-effective path to buying a home. Work with your lender to review all available programs, whether conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, or other options with better terms or lower down payment requirements.

In as little as three minutes, Better's pre-approval process gives you a clearer homebuying budget and shows real estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer. Unlike many traditional lenders that require extensive documentation upfront, Better lets you get pre-approved quickly with just basic information and a soft credit check.

...in as little as 3 minutes – no credit impact

8. What are all the fees I need to know about?

Questions to ask your realtor about house purchases should go beyond price and location. Make sure you also ask about closing costs and inspection fees. Your lender should give a full breakdown of mortgage costs, including origination fees, the appraisal, and every expense due at closing.

Better does charge lender fees, but we’re upfront about them, so you’ll never have to worry about hidden costs. You can also ask about our rate lock options, which protect you if interest rates change during the loan process.

9. How long will the approval and closing process take?

Your moving timeline can affect whether you’re ready to make an offer, especially in fast-moving markets. Ask your lender about typical processing times and any factors that might cause delays. Coordinate with your real estate agent to make sure your financing timeline aligns with the seller's expectations and your preferred closing date. Setting realistic expectations reduces stress and makes planning easier.

With Better, the mortgage process is streamlined and often delivers faster approvals than many traditional lenders. In fact, Better Mortgage’s average purchase mortgage closing time is 12 days faster than industry average. 

10. What's my backup plan if something goes wrong?

Smart buyers prepare for surprises by knowing their options if financing falls through, inspections reveal major problems, or appraisals come in low. Ask your agent about contingencies that protect your earnest money and give you ways to exit the deal if necessary.

A good list of questions to ask when viewing a house should also cover inspection timelines, financing contingencies, and seller concessions. Understanding your rights and options at every stage helps you make confident decisions and negotiate more effectively.

11. What does the home inspection reveal?

A professional home inspection is one of the most important protections for a buyer. Schedule an inspection with a qualified expert who can spot potential problems with the foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, structural elements, and anything else you might miss during a tour.

Read the inspection report carefully and ask the inspector to explain any concerns in detail. It’s important to understand the seriousness of each issue, estimate repair costs, and determine whether they’re safety hazards or mainly cosmetic.

The inspection can also help you negotiate. You might ask the seller to handle repairs before closing, offer credits toward repair costs, or adjust the purchase price to reflect the property's condition. No home is perfect, but knowing the issues helps you decide whether to proceed with the purchase.

12. How will this purchase affect my long-term financial goals?

Weigh the potential for building home equity against other investment opportunities. Real estate can be a strong long-term investment, but it shouldn't stop you from contributing to retirement accounts or maintaining a reliable emergency cushion. It’s worth discussing with a financial advisor to see how the purchase aligns with your long-term wealth-building plan.

Remember that your down payment and monthly housing costs are funds you won’t be able to use elsewhere. Make sure you're comfortable with those trade-offs and that homeownership really supports your long-term financial security and happiness.

Take control of your homebuying journey with Better

For any prospective buyer, having a solid list of sharp homebuying questions is nonnegotiable. Knowing what questions to ask the seller when buying a house can uncover insights a simple walk-through won’t, and those details help you make a smarter offer. 

Once you’ve covered all the hard stuff, Better makes the rest easy, with transparent lending, approvals in as little as three minutes, and tools that help you move fast once you’ve found the right home. 

Start your pre-approval today to see what you qualify for and discover how Better makes financing your purchase as smooth as possible.

...in as little as 3 minutes – no credit impact