The Questions I Ask When I’m Showing a Home 

The Questions I Ask When I’m Showing a Home 

When I’m showing a home, there’s a lot I’m paying attention to beyond the number of bedrooms, the size of the kitchen or how great the pool looks. While my buyers are deciding whether they can picture themselves living there, I’m looking at the details and asking questions that can help them make an informed decision. 

Here are some of the things I’m thinking about as we walk through a home: 

• How old are the roof, AC and water heater? Are any major expenses likely coming in the near future? 

• What type of hurricane protection does the home have? Are all of the openings protected? 

• What flood zone is the property in? Has the home ever experienced flooding or water intrusion? 

• Could anything about this home make it difficult or expensive to insure? 

• What type of plumbing and electrical does the home have? Are there any known concerns? 

• Are there improvements that don’t appear to be properly completed? 

• Are there signs of deferred maintenance that my buyer may not immediately notice? 

• What are the HOA or condo fees, and what do they actually include? Are there any current or upcoming assessments? 

• Are there community restrictions that could matter to my buyer? Pets, rentals, vehicles, boats and other rules can be important. 

• Which direction does the backyard or lanai face? What will the sun be like at different times of day? 

• What surrounds the property? Could nearby vacant land, road noise or future development affect the home? 

• If it's a waterfront property, what is the condition of the seawall, dock or boat lift? 

• How does the asking price compare with what similar homes have actually sold for? 

• How long has the home been on the market, and has the price changed? 

• What will this home really cost to own? Insurance, flood insurance, HOA fees, assessments and future maintenance all matter. 

• Is there anything about the property that could affect resale down the road? 

• Does this home actually make sense for my buyer? 

It’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful kitchen, pool or view. My job is to help my clients look beyond the first impression and consider the things that can affect their finances, lifestyle and future plans. 

A showing isn't just about deciding whether you like a house. It's about gathering the information you need to decide whether it's the right house. Thinking about buying in Southwest Florida? Let’s find a home that not only checks your boxes, but makes sense for you long-term.