Questions to Ask Before Buying a House

Ask the seller for history you can verify

Request the dates, locations and available records for consequential repairs, replacements and recurring problems. Useful details include which components were replaced, why the work was needed and whether a concern returned afterward.

A confident verbal answer can be helpful, but retain the document or professional finding that supports a material decision. Mark missing information as unknown. The absence of a record is not proof that maintenance was done or that a defect exists.

• What water entry, drainage or moisture issues have occurred, and what work addressed them?
• Which roof, heating, cooling, water-heating and plumbing components were replaced or repaired?
• What service, installation and warranty records are available?
• What alterations were made, and which supporting records can be provided?
• What maintenance or unresolved work would the current owner tackle next?

Ask the inspector about consequences and limits

Ask which findings warrant prompt attention and which need further evaluation. For a significant finding, identify the observation, the possible consequence and the next evidence needed. Ask what was inaccessible or could not be operated.

Use the separate inspector-question checklist if you need a more detailed interview. This page organizes the wider purchase decision, including costs, documents and transaction questions.

Check operating costs and insurance separately

Build a list of recurring bills and upcoming commitments using current quotes and property-specific records where available. Ask about utilities, service contracts, association charges and known planned work. A previous owner’s usage or policy price may not predict yours.

CFPB recommends asking about prior disaster damage, mitigation, coverage and utility costs. Ask an insurer about available coverage and exclusions for this property before relying on an assumed premium. Check flood or other hazard questions using appropriate local and official information.

Assign the decision questions to the right person

Ask your lender about property-condition requirements and the treatment of any proposed seller contribution. Ask your transaction adviser which deadlines, notice methods and options apply to the purchase agreement. An inspector’s condition finding does not answer every financing or legal question.

Keep a short decision log: question, owner, due date, evidence, answer and remaining uncertainty. After closing, move the practical follow-ups into your maintenance plan while retaining the records that explain why each decision was made.

24 pre-offer questions

Read all questions below. With JavaScript enabled, you can save progress on this device and enter your email to download the printable checklist.

1. How old is the roof, when was it last replaced, and is documentation available?

   Keep invoices and condition findings. Age alone does not establish remaining life.

2. What is the age of the HVAC, water heater, and major appliances?

   Ask for model details, installation dates and service records where available.

3. What is the electrical panel brand and rating, and has an electrician identified any safety concerns?

   Have reported concerns assessed by a qualified electrician; do not infer a diagnosis from a brand name.

4. What are the supply and drain plumbing materials, and are any problems documented?

   Ask a plumber to assess relevant findings and quote the actual scope when follow-up is recommended.

5. Has the home had a foundation, structural, or moisture issue, and is a specialist report available?

   Read the report, repair scope and any follow-up evidence together.

6. Are roof, water, fire, or mold damage and related repairs documented?

   Ask which records the seller can provide and discuss insurance questions with your insurer.

7. Can I see the full seller disclosure and available prior inspection reports?

   Keep unresolved differences as questions for your transaction adviser and inspector.

8. Which renovations required permits, and are the permits and final approvals available?

   Check relevant local records instead of treating a verbal assurance as proof.

9. Which major projects were completed by contractors or by the owner?

   Ask for the work scope, qualifications, invoices and any required approvals.

10. Is there a known active or abandoned underground oil tank on the property?

    If applicable, request location, condition and removal or closure records for professional review.

11. Are radon, mold, asbestos or lead test reports available?

    Ask an appropriate professional which current follow-up is relevant to this property.

12. Can I review the last 12 months of gas, electric and water bills?

    Use them as context; household use, rates and weather can change your bills.

13. What are the current property taxes, and how could the sale affect the assessment?

    Ask the local tax office or your adviser about the rules and any expiring exemptions.

14. Is there an HOA, what does it cover, and are assessments planned?

    Review current governing documents, budgets and relevant meeting records.

15. What coverage can I obtain for this house, at what premium and deductible?

    Get your own insurance quote and resolve exclusions or conditions before relying on the budget.

16. Are there known liens, municipal violations or open work orders?

    Ask your title or transaction professional to explain the records and unresolved items.

17. Which natural hazards or insurance restrictions should I investigate for this location?

    Check applicable official records and ask your insurer about coverage for this address.

18. Are there easements, shared driveways or boundary disputes?

    Review the relevant survey, title documents and agreements with your adviser.

19. Are there well, septic or shared utility systems, and when were they inspected or serviced?

    Request records and arrange the specific evaluation recommended for those systems.

20. Are development, zoning or infrastructure changes proposed nearby?

    Consult current local planning records for the specific projects that matter to you.

21. What is the seller timeline, and can we discuss repairs or a permitted credit?

    Choose the structure after checking the repair scope, contract and lender requirements.

22. What reason for selling has the seller chosen to share?

    Treat it as context and confirm the terms that matter to both parties in the transaction documents.

23. What is the listing and price-change history?

    Ask your agent to interpret it with current comparable properties rather than assuming a discount.

24. Are there competing offers, and which terms can the seller share?

    Discuss the implications of any proposed contingency changes with your transaction adviser.

Common questions