The 12 Best Questions To Ask a Home Seller

Dear Monty: We will soon be in the market to buy our first home. We'll start looking for homes the owner is selling without an agent. If we have no luck there, we will turn to an agent we know. If you were buying your first home today, what questions would you ask the seller?

Monty's Answer: A key component is having the seller present when you view the house. This visit is your best opportunity to understand their goals, make a good impression and establish rapport. Your questions, asked at the right time and in the right way, will demonstrate your sincerity and interest.

WHEN YOU FIRST GREET THEM

Tell them why you came to look and why you like it. Give up information first to show you are open and trusting. Ask permission to ask the first question (i.e., May I ask you a question?). You can start asking questions early in response to comments from the seller as you tour the home. Ask probing questions. Listen carefully to their answers (the actual words and how they said them). Some example questions are below (remember, answers lead to new questions). Your primary goal is to leave the seller with a favorable impression of both of you. Leave children and animals at home with relatives, or in the car if that's not possible and the children are old enough.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

No. 1: Where will you be moving? The answer helps reveal potential occupancy dates.

No. 2: How long have you lived here? If the home looks new after 25 years, condition issues are unlikely.

No. 3: Do you have a timetable for the physical move? You can rent the house back to them for some time.

No. 4: Which schools do (or did) your children attend? If you have or are anticipating children, they may have insights into school happenings.

No. 5: Why did you pick this home over all the homes for sale when you bought it? Is their answer relevant today? Have you thought of it?

No. 6: What do you like best about living here? Have you thought of their answer?

No. 7: Is it a quiet neighborhood or is there a lot of neighborhood socializing? We all have different perceptions of what may constitute a lot or a little socializing. But it is nice to know what they think if it matters to you.

No. 8: How long has the home been on the market? If it has been for sale for some time, a follow-up question may be asked: "Why do you think it is taking this long?"

No. 9: How did you decide on your asking price? A home seller often knows the neighborhood market very well. Knowing the answer may impact your decision about what to offer.

No. 10: Do you have a seller condition report you can share with us? Many home sellers may need to be made aware a seller condition report is required. Study your state requirements and have a blank report with you. I've also written more about this on my website.

No. 11: Does anyone seem interested? They may or may not know, but it is worth asking.

No. 12: Is there anything else you would like to share?

QUESTIONS TO AVOID

Are you willing to sell for less? Do you have any neighborhood disagreements? Don't ask questions the home inspector will answer. Don't ask questions that will be on the seller's condition report.

Richard Montgomery is a syndicated columnist, published author, retired real estate executive, serial entrepreneur and the founder of DearMonty.com and PropBox, Inc. He provides consumers with options to real estate issues. Follow him on Twitter(X) @dearmonty or DearsMonty.com.

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