What to ask before you buy a home
The right questions save you both wasted time and expensive mistakes. Ask half of them on the phone — the rest at the viewing, with your own eyes and the documents in hand.
Ask by phone
A two-minute call can save an evening spent on a pointless viewing — if these answers don't satisfy you, it isn't worth going to the address.
Is the price final, or is there room to negotiate?
Know your starting point against the market in advance — it makes negotiating at the viewing easier.
Is there a title deed, and whose name is it in?
A deed in someone else's name isn't necessarily a problem — but find out up front whether the sale will go through with the owner present or by a notarized power of attorney.
Are you the owner or an intermediary?
Find out on the first call whether there is a commission and who pays it.
Can I buy with a mortgage?
If you plan to take a bank loan, find out in advance whether the seller is ready for it — not every seller wants to wait.
Are there any utility debts?
Debts for electricity, gas, water and building maintenance can become your problem at closing.
Are the photos current? Does anyone live there now?
Old photos hide a lot; if a tenant lives there, the move-out date can drag on.
Why are you selling, and how long has the listing been up?
A home that doesn't sell for a long time usually has a reason — asking about it over the phone costs nothing.
Ask in person
At the viewing, words don't count — documents and your own eyes do. Check every answer on the spot.
Can I see the original title deed?
Check the name, address and area against the document on the spot — ask for the original, not a copy.
Does the actual area match the document?
If there is a discrepancy, expect trouble and extra costs at the notary stage.
What is hidden under the renovation — damp, wiring, pipes?
Look closely at the corners, the ceiling and the plumbing; fresh paint can cover an old problem.
What condition are the building, the elevator, the roof and the entrance in?
Even if the apartment is great, the building's problems will sooner or later become yours.
Is anyone registered at the address? Is there a co-owner who is a minor?
If a minor holds a share, extra permits are needed for the sale — find out before you get to the notary.
Which furniture and appliances stay?
Agree on what stays in writing, as a specific list — so that "everything stays" doesn't remain just words.
How will the deposit and the notary closing work?
Pay a deposit only under a written agreement certified by a notary; the amount, the date and the terms for backing out must be in the document.
Red flags
If any of these apply, stop and think again.
- The price is well below the market — an "urgent sale" can hide a problem with the documents.
- The seller avoids showing the original title deed or says "I'll show it later".
- "If you don't leave a deposit today, someone else buys it tomorrow" — artificial haste, a classic pressure tactic.
- They insist on payment in cash only and off the books.
- The meeting is held not at the apartment but "at the office", and promises are shown instead of documents.
Questions ready — now pick your home
Search among thousands of verified listings and work out your budget with the mortgage calculator.