Buying a property: 25 questions to ask during a visit

When buying a house or a condo, the initial visit to the property is very important. This is the moment when you will be able to analyze the premises and ask questions to the owner in order to determine if the property suits your needs.

Did you know that the latter has to answer them in all honesty? Therefore, it is your duty to gather all the necessary information so as not to have any unpleasant surprises regarding the purchase.

These questions serve both to inform you and to distinguish the properties you have visited, weighing the pros and cons of each of them. Your real estate agent will, of course, be at your side to support you, but it is recommended that you be prepared by creating a list of questions.

Without further ado, we present you with a checklist of essential questions to ask when visiting a home.

Questions about the property

Before you can determine whether a property is of interest to you, you need to have a minimum of basic knowledge about the house in question. Here are a few examples of questions you might want to ask.

1. How much does the house cost?

This is certainly one of the most important pieces of information to know. The price of the property must obviously suit your budget. Don't forget that other costs associated with the purchase must also be taken into account.

Before making an offer to purchase, it is essential to visit several properties in the same neighbourhood. You would be surprised at the price variations for a similar property.

2. What's included in the sale (parking space, garden shed)?

In some cases, property may be included in the sale of the home. If you are not sure, don't hesitate to ask the seller or his broker.

Some offer a parking space or a private garden shed for the same price, which generally makes it easier to choose between two properties of similar cost. So, inclusions can really add up. In fact, it is possible to negotiate them in your offer to purchase.

3. In what year was the house built?

It is important to know the year of construction to get an idea of the age of the property you wish to buy. A house that is several years old may present certain problems that a newly built house would not. For example, buildings dating from the 1930s to 1980s are more likely to contain asbestos.

4. What are its dimensions? And those of the lot?

Confirm with the seller the living area available to you by determining the m2 of each room and outdoor space.

5. What do you think of the house's insulation? And soundproofing?

Insulation and soundproofing problems can become a real nightmare. It is best to be aware of potential problems before you buy than to find out about them once you have moved in.

6. Do all the facilities meet the municipality's standards?

Make sure that all installations (pool, artificial turf, basement layout) meet municipal standards.

Questions about related spending

If you decide to become the owner of the house, you will have to pay the recurring costs associated with it. It is a good idea to be aware of them before you buy, to avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of exorbitant costs.

7. How much do you pay for home insurance?

The cost of the current homeowner's insurance premium may vary from yours, depending on the type of coverage chosen and the insurer. However, having this information on hand can give you an idea of how much you will have to pay yourself.

8. How much does electricity and heating cost?

For this question, be sure to check the bills. Some homes with very poor insulation consume far too much energy, resulting in exorbitant bills. Owners who are desperate to sell their property tend to play down these costs to avoid scaring off potential buyers, so be careful!

9. How much are municipal and school taxes?

Buying a home involves several costs, including the downpayment, notary fees, not to mention your monthly mortgage.

If you become the owner of your home, you will also have to pay property taxes. It is a good idea to know how much you will need to add to your budget.

Questions about the state of the house

Unless you are specifically looking for a house to renovate, you will certainly want to buy one in good condition. That is why it is important to get a clear idea of the property's condition.

10. What is the reason for the sale? Is it related to the condition of the house?

If the seller wants to part with the property because of its condition, you can expect to do a lot of work after the purchase. Are you really prepared to invest time and money in such a property?

11. Has the house suffered any damage in recent years?

This question gives you a general idea of the condition of the house. The seller is legally obliged to disclose any information he has on this subject, through the seller's declaration.

12. Have you noticed any moisture or mold problems?

In addition to asking questions, it is essential to visually inspect the condition of the house. For moisture, inspect the windows and check the condition of the window frames. If you notice flaking paint or water on the windows, there may be condensation problems related to high humidity. You should know that a damp house is far from being a healthy home for its inhabitants.

13. Have cracks been observed?

While some cracks may be the result of a minor problem, others can represent a much greater danger. This is especially true of cracks in the foundation.

14. Have you ever been tested for pyrite, asbestos or radon?

These three substances can pose a real danger to your home and your family's health. It is crucial to be aware of their presence.

15. Has a pre-sale inspection been carried out?

Some sellers will carry out a pre-sale inspection of their property before putting it on the market. This saves potential buyers from having to request a pre-purchase inspection.

No pre-sale inspection? To get a complete picture of your home's condition, we recommend calling in a home inspector. He or she will analyze all visible and easily accessible components of the home (plumbing, heating, roofing, etc.) to detect any potential problems.

Questions about renovations

Necessary renovations can be time-consuming and costly. Ask about this when you visit the house, to get a clear idea of the work you will need to do if you decide to make an offer.

16. Are there any upcoming renovations to plan for?

The report provided by the building inspector you have hired to assess the condition of the house will also help you determine what renovations (if any) need to be carried out.

17. Has any renovation work already been carried out? If so, when?

For renovations that have already been carried out, always ask to see the invoices, not only to verify that the renovations have indeed taken place but also to see if the owner has done the renovations himself.

Indeed, some renovation work is reserved for experts. If the work has been carried out by someone who is not an expert in the field, the work may have been poorly done or, worse, may endanger the house and its inhabitants.

18. Has the roof, windows, doors or siding been redone recently? Are they still under warranty? Is it transferable?

Some warranty contracts are not transferable to the new buyer, which releases the contractor from his commitments. 

Questions about the neighbourhood

The area in which the property is located can have a considerable impact on your well-being. Make sure it is right for you before you move in.

19. Is the neighbourhood quiet?

To form your own opinion of the neighbourhood, take a stroll through the streets at different times of the day (and night). It would be ideal (though difficult) if you could rent a house for a few days close to the one you want to buy, to get a better idea of the neighbourhood.

20. Are there any neighborhood problems?

Noisy, disruptive neighbours can quickly spoil your well-being. It is better to have good neighbours.

21. Are there any future development projects?

The question of construction projects in the neighbourhood is crucial. In fact, you should not be satisfied with the seller's answer and do your own investigation.

If the house you are looking at appeals to you because it is so quiet, but you discover that there are plans to build a large shopping center just around the corner, you may have to abandon the transaction altogether. So don't be taken by surprise, find out more!

22. Have you ever been robbed? What about your neighbours?

You are probably looking for a safe neighbourhood with a low crime rate. If several properties in the neighbourhood have already been burglarized, it is probably best to continue your search.

Questions about co-ownership

Buying a condominium is slightly different from buying a single-family home. Here are a few questions specifically aimed at this type of property.

23. Is there any condominium work to be done?

This question should not be overlooked, as it could prove costly. For example, a roof renovation project can cost between $3,000 and $10,000.

The costs will then be divided between the various co-owners, and you could find yourself struggling to pay them. Believe it or not, adding condominium-related renovation costs could blow your budget out of the water.

24. How much are condo fees?

Beware of low condo fees! Although they may seem attractive at first glance, they are not sustainable in the long term and may be a sign of neglect.

Ask about maintenance and heating costs.  Are they included in the price? Knowing whether they are will help you determine your budget.

25. Can I consult the declaration of co-ownership? What are the main restrictions?

The declaration of co-ownership is an essential document to consult before buying a condo. Among other things, it specifies the rights and obligations of each co-owner. 

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