Buying a home is exciting—and a little overwhelming. Between open houses, mortgage math, and fast-moving listings, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. The right questions keep you focused, protect your budget, and help you spot red flags before you fall in love with the wrong place.
This guide walks you through the most important questions to ask when buying a house. We’ll start big (your goals and lifestyle), move into the money (true monthly costs and closing details), and finish with property specifics and move-in logistics. Use these as a checklist with your real estate agent so you can compare homes apples-to-apples and make a confident decision.
And when you’ve found “the one,” Cento Family Moving & Storage is here to make the move simple, secure, and stress-free—so you can get settled faster in a home you’ll love.
1. What Are Your Reasons For Buying a Home?
Before you dive into listings and open houses, take a step back and think about why you’re buying a home in the first place. Are you looking for equity, a little more space, or the stability of a single family home? Maybe you dream of having a yard for your dog or a shorter commute to work.
Clarifying your reasons will help you stay focused when the search gets overwhelming. Share these goals with your real estate agent so they can zero in on homes that truly fit your needs. After all, the clearer you are on your “why,” the easier it will be to spot your dream home when you see it.
2. How Long Will You Stay There?
It’s tempting to buy the home that feels perfect for right now, but try to picture your life a few years down the road. If you only need two bedrooms today but plan on starting a family soon, a home with three or four bedrooms might be the smarter choice.
Thinking about how long you’ll stay also helps when weighing purchase prices and resale value. A “starter home” may work if you expect to move again in a few years, while a longer stay calls for features that will grow with you. Keeping the future in mind now can save you from outgrowing your space too quickly and jumping back into the buying process sooner than planned.
3. What Neighborhoods Do You Like?
You’ve heard it before: location, location, location. The house itself matters, but your neighborhood will shape your daily life just as much. Think about your priorities—do you want a short commute, access to nightlife, quiet streets, or top-rated schools? Don’t forget practical factors like the local crime rate, walkability, and even traffic patterns during rush hour.
This is also where your real estate agent becomes an invaluable guide. They’ll know which neighborhoods fit your lifestyle and budget, and which areas are up-and-coming. Since you’ll spend most of your days commuting, running errands, and relaxing close to home, it’s worth taking the time to choose a community that feels right—not just a house that looks good on paper.
4. What Is the Real Cost Of the Home?
Your lender’s pre-approval letter is only part of the picture. The real cost of a home goes beyond the monthly mortgage payment. Factor in property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and ongoing utility bills. Don’t forget less obvious expenses like lawn care or pest control, which can add up quickly in Florida’s climate.
The goal isn’t just to see what you qualify for on paper—it’s to decide what you’re truly comfortable spending each month. A home purchase should enhance your life, not stretch your budget so thin that you can’t enjoy it. Taking the time to calculate all the costs now will keep your dream home from turning into a financial burden later.
5. How Much Are the Closing Costs?
When it comes to buying a house, the purchase price isn’t the only big number to watch. Closing costs—things like lender fees, title insurance, and appraisal charges—can add up to several thousand dollars. While sellers often cover a portion, buyers still pay their share, and it’s smart to know that figure upfront.
Ask your real estate agent and lender for an estimate early in the process. Knowing your closing costs ahead of time helps you budget accurately and avoid last-minute surprises on signing day. Think of it as part of the full picture of homeownership, right alongside your down payment and monthly mortgage.
6. How Long Has the House Been On the Market?
A home’s time on the market can tell you a lot. If a property has been listed for weeks—or even months—without selling, it may mean the asking price is too high or that there are issues turning buyers away. On the flip side, a freshly listed home could spark competition and multiple offers.
Asking how long the house has been on the market helps you gauge how flexible the sellers might be on purchase prices. A longer listing period could give you more negotiating power, while a newer listing might require a faster, stronger offer. Either way, knowing the timeline helps you make a smarter move.
7. Are There Any Other Offers?
Before you fall in love with a property, find out if you’re competing with other buyers. If there are already offers on the table, you may need to act quickly—or come in with a stronger bid. If not, you might have more room to negotiate.
It’s always a good idea to ask your real estate agent for the full picture. They can tell you whether the sellers are expecting more interest or if the home has been sitting quietly on the market. Knowing where you stand helps you decide whether to move fast or take your time weighing the decision.
8. Are There Any Liens or Legal Issues?
A home may look perfect on the surface, but hidden legal problems can turn your purchase into a headache. Ask if there are any outstanding liens, unpaid property taxes, or disputes tied to the property. If these issues exist, you may be responsible for settling them before the sale can go through.
Your real estate agent and title company can help uncover these details during the buying process, but it’s smart to raise the question early. Knowing about potential roadblocks ahead of time can save you stress—and keep your dream home from becoming a legal battle.
9. When Was the House Built and What Upgrades Have Been Completed?
The age of a home can affect everything from maintenance needs to insurance costs. Older houses may charm you with character, but they can also hide outdated features like asbestos, lead paint, or old plumbing. That’s why it’s important to ask not only when the house was built, but also what upgrades have been made since.
Pay close attention to big-ticket systems: the electrical system, plumbing, HVAC, and water heater. A recently updated roof or rewired panel can save you thousands down the line, while outdated systems could become expensive surprises. Asking upfront gives you a clearer picture of what you’re walking into—and helps you decide whether the asking price truly matches the condition of the home.
10. How Old Is the Roof?
In Florida, the roof isn’t just another line item—it’s a make-or-break feature. Many insurance companies won’t cover a roof that’s older than 15 years, no matter how well it’s been maintained. If the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, you’ll want to know before you make an offer.
A newer roof can give you peace of mind and lower insurance premiums, while an older one could become a negotiating point on the purchase price. Either way, asking this question upfront helps you prepare for future costs and avoid unpleasant surprises after move-in day.
11. What Direction Does the Home Face?
The orientation of a house can have a bigger impact on your daily life than you might think. A kitchen that faces east will flood with morning light, while a west-facing living room may heat up in the afternoon sun. Beyond lifestyle preferences, the direction your home faces also plays into energy efficiency. More direct sunlight can mean higher cooling costs in the summer, while a shady orientation may keep things cooler and help lower utility costs.
Think about how you like to spend your time at home and what matters most to your comfort. A simple question about which way the home faces can help ensure the layout matches your habits and budget.
12. Is The Home In a Flood Zone?
Florida buyers in particular should never skip this question. If the home is located in a designated flood zone, your mortgage lender will almost certainly require you to purchase separate flood insurance. (This coverage is not included in standard homeowners policies.)
Beyond insurance, buying in a flood-prone area also comes with peace-of-mind concerns. Consider how a natural disaster could affect not only your property but also your ability to resell in the future. Knowing whether you’ll need flood insurance before making an offer helps you weigh the true cost of ownership and decide whether the home still fits your long-term plans.
13. What’s Included In the Sale?
When you tour a property, it’s easy to assume that what you see is what you’ll get—but that’s not always the case. While sellers often leave behind major appliances, there’s no guarantee unless it’s spelled out in the contract. A refrigerator, washer and dryer, or even backyard features like a playset may be taken with them.
This is why it’s important to clarify exactly what’s included in the sale before you sign. Are the built-in shelves staying? What about the chandelier in the entryway? Getting these details in writing prevents confusion later and ensures the home matches the expectations you had on move-in day.
14. Can You Get Cell Service Inside?
It may not be the first thing on your mind when buying a home, but poor reception can quickly become frustrating. Imagine moving in only to realize you can’t make a call from your living room. While not necessarily a deal breaker, a weak signal could mean added expenses for boosters or a heavier reliance on Wi-Fi calling.
Take a minute during a showing to test your phone. It’s a small step that can save you a big headache down the road—and keep your dream home from becoming a communication dead zone.
15. How Soon Can You Move In?
Timing is everything when it comes to buying a house. Some sellers want a quick closing, while others may need extra time to move out. Knowing the seller’s timeline helps you plan your transition, whether that means coordinating with your landlord, arranging temporary housing, or setting up short-term storage.
This is also where working with the right moving company makes a difference. If your move-in date doesn’t line up perfectly, Cento Family Moving & Storage can provide secure, climate-controlled storage for your belongings until the keys are in your hand. That way, you don’t have to stress about juggling dates—you can focus on settling into your new home.
Your Moving Questions, Answered
Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and asking the right questions is the key to making a confident decision. From big-picture considerations like location and budget to practical details like roof age and closing costs, each answer helps you see the full picture of your future home.
By slowing down, doing your homework, and leaning on the expertise of your real estate agent, you’ll be better prepared to avoid surprises and find the property that truly fits your needs.
And when it’s time to make the move, Cento Family Moving & Storage is here to help. From careful packing and transport to flexible storage solutions, our team handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on the best part—turning your new house into a home you’ll love.
