Free PDF guide
Questions to Ask Before Every Showing
The one question that predicts more than any other whether a house has been maintained, and what to listen for.
What's inside
- ✓Ten questions for the seller or their agent, each with a "Listen For" note on what a strong answer sounds like versus a red flag
- ✓Six questions to ask your own inspector during the walkthrough, since the conversation matters as much as the written report
- ✓The one question that predicts more about a home's maintenance history than any other
3 key takeaways
What's the single most important question to ask a seller?
When were the HVAC system, water heater, and roof last replaced? A seller who knows the specifics signals a maintained home; a seller who doesn't signals the opposite.
What should you ask your inspector directly, off the report?
What's the single biggest concern you've seen today? Inspectors document everything equally in the report — this question gets you their actual ranking.
What should you verify independently, regardless of the seller's answer?
Flood zone status, at FEMA's flood map service center. Flood insurance is required by lenders in designated zones and can add $700–$2,500/year to your costs.
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