When you start thinking about a move, real estate questions show up fast.
Some are about money. Some about timing. Some about mistakes you want to avoid.
Here are the ones agents hear all the time — and what actually matters.
How much home can you afford?
Start with your monthly payment, not the price.
Your lender checks income, debts, credit, and down payment. Pre-approval shows what you can borrow and tells sellers you’re serious.
Minimum down payments can be as low as 5% in many cases, but anything under 20% usually requires mortgage loan insurance.
If the payment feels tight on paper, it will feel worse after moving day.
Should you buy now or wait?
Nobody can time the market with precision.
The better question: are your job, savings, and plans stable enough to move?
If the answer is yes, the timing usually works.
If the answer is shaky, waiting often saves stress later.
Do you really need mortgage pre-approval first?
Yes. Do this before house hunting.
Without it, you risk finding the right place and learning the financing does not work.
Pre-approval also speeds up your offer and shows sellers you can close.
This is one of the most ignored real estate questions — and skipping it causes problems.
How much are closing costs?
Plan roughly 1.5%–4% of the purchase price.
Typical costs include legal fees, title insurance, appraisal, and taxes.
Moving trucks, utility setup, and insurance add more.
Budget early so nothing surprises you at the end.
Do you need a home inspection?
In most cases, yes.
Inspectors check structure, roof, wiring, plumbing, and moisture risks.
The goal is not to cancel the deal. The goal is to avoid hidden repair bills.
Skipping inspection only makes sense if you accept the repair risk.
What actually affects a home’s price?
Three main things:
- recent sales of similar homes
- location and condition
- supply and buyer demand
Online estimates help, but sold data matters more than listing prices.
How long does buying or selling take?
After an accepted offer, closing often lands around 30–60 days.
Selling time varies more.
Some homes sell in days. Others take months. Price and condition usually decide.
What should you ask about the home itself?
Focus on expensive items:
- roof age
- heating system
- past water damage
- insurance claims
- safety hazards
Problems in these areas often lead to major costs later.
Paint color does not matter. Mechanical condition does.
Should you sell first or buy first?
Selling first removes financial risk.
Buying first gives you control over your move.
Neither option is perfect. Your savings, market speed, and stress tolerance decide.
Do you need an agent?
You can buy or sell without one. Some people do.
But agents track sold prices, prepare offers, manage conditions, and handle paperwork.
Most buyers use one because the process involves legal contracts and tight deadlines.
If you go solo, expect more admin work and negotiation pressure.
Real estate questions never stop at ten.
But these are the ones that decide how smooth your move feels — or how stressful it gets.
