July 23rd, 2025 | Buying
Questions to Ask When Buying a House
Buying a house is always an exciting experience! The novelty never wears off, no matter how many times you’ve been through the process. Uncertainty over the unknown and the exhilaration of a bold new adventure both come with the territory. Which is why it is so important to know what questions to ask when buying a house.
An upcoming move opens up a flurry of inquiries, especially if it’s your first time buying a home (or first time in a long time.) In this post, we’ll endeavour to answer some of your most pressing real estate questions.
Do you want even more detailed instructions on how to find and buy your new home? Don’t miss our Buyer’s Guide, which you can download for free right here.
What to Consider When Buying a House
The list of things to know when buying a house is long, and understanding your budget is just the beginning. You’ll also want to sit back and envision what you want for the long term. Thus, the hardest questions when buying a house are the ones you ask yourself.
- How long do you plan to stay in one place?
- Where do you want to be?
- What does your ideal home look like?
Only you know what you want from your experience. However, an experienced real estate team that has helped countless buyers in the past can help you clarify your goals and expectations.
Do you want more help in achieving your vision of owning your next home? The posts below can help:
- How to Buy a Home in Ottawa
- Are Older Homes a Good Investment in Ottawa?
- 6 Advantages of Buying a Home with an Ottawa Real Estate Agent
Questions to Ask Before Buying a House
Buying a home is a journey, and there will be different aspects to consider before, during, and after the process. The more prepared you are, the more seamless your transaction is likely to be. Below are some of the questions to ponder right from the beginning that will set the stage for a successful outcome.
What is a comfortable budget? Knowing how much you can afford is the foundation for all other steps. It stops you from setting your sights on something unattainable and keeps your attention on listings with solid potential. Whatever number you come up with, be sure to set aside some funds for the unexpected.
How much will I need for a down payment? 20% is fantastic if you can make it happen as it eliminates the need for mortgage insurance. However, you might be able to buy a home for as little as 5% down depending on the purchase price.
What closing costs will I be expected to cover? In addition to the purchase price, you’ll also need to budget for land transfer taxes, legal fees, utility costs, any necessary repairs, appraisal and home inspection fees, and moving expenses.
What type of house can I afford and where based on my budget? Ironing out these details allows you to concentrate your attention on the best homes and locations for your needs now and in the years to come.
Who should my real estate agent be? Choosing the right Realtor® means having a knowledgeable expert available to guide you through every stage, as well as a powerful negotiator to advocate for your interests.
What are my advantages and disadvantages in today’s market? Whether it’s a seller’s market or conditions lean in favour of buyers, you will have some advantages – if you know how to find them.
What to Ask When Buying a House
Answering the above questions will help you build a solid foundation for everything that happens next, and help you keep in mind the important things to consider when buying a house. Once the process is underway, you’ll begin visiting potential homes. Now, a different series of questions will arise.
What is the age and condition of the home? Every house will need some work, likely even a new or old. However, pay particular attention to the foundation and overall structure. Grungy silicone around the bathtub may be unsightly, but it’s easy and relatively inexpensive to fix. Major repairs can quickly add up and make your investment less worthwhile.
How old are the major systems in the house? The furnace, air conditioner, and other appliances typically come with the property. These can also be expensive if they are old or inefficient. You might consider moving on to the next option; otherwise your real estate agent might advocate for a lower price to compensate for any repairs or replacements.
How many renovations or repairs were performed by a licensed contractor rather than a layperson? This is a big one. No matter how handy a homeowner may be, do-it-yourself projects can end up costing much more than hiring professionals in the first place.
Will I be able to perform any home improvements that I have planned? You always want to be aware of zoning restrictions before buying a home. Otherwise, you might plan for a second storey, only to not be able to get the permits when the time arrives.
Is this home in a catchment area for desirable schools? This question is particularly relevant if you have children or plan to. Even if a family is not in the picture, a house near a sought-after school tends to retain its value during softer markets.
Ottawa is a fantastic place to buy a house for so many reasons! Learn more in the posts below:
Questions to Ask a Realtor® When Buying a House
We’ve already talked about the value of working with the right real estate agent when it comes time to find and buy your house. However, there are countless professionals to choose from, which opens up another line of questioning.
How will we stay in touch? A lack of responsiveness is the biggest concerns clients often have, even when working with a skilled agent with a strong reputation. Knowing how and when they will be available is important throughout the entire process.
Would you ever advise me not to buy a particular home? Real estate agents are legally bound to represent your best interests. Still, it’s reassuring to know that they take this responsibility seriously and will point you only toward properties that meet your needs.
Are you a full service real estate team? You want a skilled professional on your side during all stages of the transaction, yet no one person is an expert in everything. A full team ensures all of the bases are covered and that you will have the support you need at all times.
There you have it – a complete “questions to ask when buying a house” checklist. It pays to be a savvy buyer when you’re ready to begin your home search in earnest. When working closely with our Ottawa real estate agents, you can look forward to a successful outcome.
Do you want personalized service throughout your search for your new home? Get in touch today at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com. We are happy to help!
