What Questions are the Right Questions?

When you’re looking to buy a home, there appropriate questions and answers- and there are inappropriate questions and answers. It benefits both you and your agent if you stay on the appropriate side of the line. For instance, a good agent (we do this) will ask you to list all of your needs and wants in the aspect of looking for that next great home. So, for example, you might want a fireplace. But given that the home has central heating, you don’t really need a fireplace- so that would be considered a want.


The next step of that process (we do this, too) is to prioritize those needs and wants, so you know the top three or four things you are really looking for in a home. It is very appropriate for an agent to ask these questions of you, and it is very appropriate for you to ask those questions amongst yourselves if there’s more than one buyer. The next area of appropriate questions is questions about the area or the kind of area that you’re looking for, such as the proximity to shopping locations and restaurants or parks, or even the feel of the neighborhood you’d like to have- more centrally located, out in the suburbs, or even in an area less crowded out in the country.


Where many people make a mistake and cross over into the inappropriate side of asking questions is when they choose to inquire about racial, ethnic, or age breakdown in an area. These questions are not in any way relevant to real estate, and with fair housing laws in place, agents are never allowed to discuss information about neighbors or previous owners of the house you are looking at. While you may wonder about these aspects of a neighborhood, it is not appropriate to ask an agent these questions, and don’t be surprised when an agent doesn’t answer.


A good real estate agent is here to answer appropriate questions, educate you about the process, and ask you questions to help you find what you’re looking for. It benefits you and the agent and the whole real estate process to stay in the appropriate question and answer areas.


For more information, visit us on the web at www.springfieldfirsthome.com, or simply call or text us at 417.872.9222.