Questions to Ask When Touring a House for Sale

6/1/2026 8:45:59 PM

A couple walking through an open house with a phone or notepad.

Touring homes for sale can be one of the most exciting parts of the homebuying process. Imagining yourself relaxing in a new living space or cooking meals in a new kitchen can make the search both fun and motivating.

But while you’re getting a feel for a new house, it’s also important to ask questions – of both your real estate agent and your mortgage loan officer. The answers you receive can help you make informed decisions about whether a home is a good fit for your budget and lifestyle.

Here are some key topics to consider and questions to ask as you tour open houses or visit homes on the market.

Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

Your real estate agent, and the seller’s agent, can provide important information about the home as you decide whether you want to make an offer. Consider asking questions such as:

How long has the home been on the market, and what’s the asking price?
Are there any seller disclosures to be aware of?
When were the home’s last major updates or renovations?
How much are monthly utilities?
What's the neighborhood like?

Understanding these details can help you evaluate not only the home itself, but also what your life in the home might look like.

What to Ask Your Loan Officer

Your mortgage loan officer, meanwhile, can help provide important financial information about the home and how it could fit into your budget. If you tour a home and think you might want to make an offer, ask your loan officer:

What are the home’s property taxes, and how much might I pay for insurance? Your loan officer can look up property taxes and provide an estimate for homeowners insurance costs. They can use this information to estimate what your monthly mortgage payment might be.
How much would my down payment be? Based on the home’s asking price, your loan officer can estimate your down payment amount and let you know whether you’d need Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
Are there special financing considerations to be aware of? Examples could include a home or condo with a monthly HOA fee that you would pay on top of your mortgage. Or, some municipalities pay for infrastructure improvements through special assessments, which are taxes charged directly to property owners.

Asking the right questions can help you avoid surprises and ensure you’re only moving forward with homes that are right for you. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or more details—your loan officer and real estate agent are there to support you.

Contact a Bell Bank Mortgage loan officer near you to get started today.

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