You’re Not Alone—These Are the Questions Every Homebuyer Has
Thinking about buying a home? Then you probably have a dozen (or a hundred) questions bouncing around in your head. The good news: you’re asking the exact same things every other buyer asks—whether they’re wide-eyed first-timers or seasoned movers who haven’t bought in years.
Below are the most common questions real buyers ask—and the clear, no-nonsense answers that make the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming.
1. “How Much Can I Actually Afford?”
This is usually the question that launches the whole journey. A solid starting point is the classic 28/36 rule:
- Keep housing costs under 28% of your monthly income.
- Keep total debts under 36%.
But honestly? The most accurate answer comes from a lender. A pre-approval will show you what you can spend—and just as importantly, what you’re comfortable spending.
2. “Do I Really Need a Pre-Approval Before I Start Looking?”
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Absolutely, yes.
A pre-approval proves you’re a serious buyer. In a competitive market, it can be the difference between getting the home you love… and watching someone else move into it.
3. “How Much Should I Save for a Down Payment?”
Here’s the part that surprises a lot of people:
You don’t always need 20% down.
Depending on the loan, minimums can be:
- 3% — Conventional
- 3.5% — FHA
- 0% — VA or USDA (if you qualify)
A bigger down payment can lower your monthly costs, but many buyers purchase with far less—and it’s perfectly normal.
4. “What Will My Closing Costs Be?”
Closing costs usually run 2–5% of the purchase price, and they cover things like:
- Appraisal
- Title insurance
- Loan origination fees
- Escrow fees
- Prepaid taxes & insurance
Your lender or agent can give you a breakdown early on so nothing sneaks up on you at the finish line.
5. “How Long Does the Buying Process Take?”
It depends—but here’s a general roadmap:
- Home shopping: a few days to a few weeks
- Under contract to closing: usually 30–45 days
Cash buyers or vacant homes can move faster, but inspections, appraisals, and loan processing all take time. Patience pays off.
6. “What Should I Look for During Showings?”
Besides the “Do I like the layout?” questions, keep an eye on:
- Roof condition
- Signs of water damage
- Foundation cracks
- HVAC age
- Window quality
- Noise levels
- Storage space
Your agent will help you spot red flags, but a sharp eye never hurts.
7. “Do I Need a Home Inspection?”
Yes. Always.
Even if the home looks flawless, an inspection can uncover issues with plumbing, electrical systems, the roof, or the foundation. It’s one of the best forms of protection you have.
8. “What If the Inspection Finds Something?”
Take a deep breath—this happens all the time.
Depending on the issue, you can:
- Request repairs
- Ask for a credit
- Negotiate the price
- Walk away (if your contract allows)
Inspections aren’t meant to scare you. They give you clarity and leverage.
9. “How Do I Know If It’s the Right House?”
Some buyers get a magical “This is it!” moment. Others don’t—and that’s okay.
Ask yourself:
- Does it meet my must-haves?
- Can I comfortably afford it?
- Can I see myself here for the next 3–5 years?
- Does anything feel wrong?
If the home checks the important boxes and feels like a good fit, trust that instinct.
10. “What Does My Agent Actually Do for Me?”
A great agent is your:
- Market expert
- Negotiator
- Paperwork pro
- Scheduling coordinator
- Problem solver
- Advocate
Their job is to make the process smoother, safer, and a whole lot less stressful.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you are in your homebuying journey, remember: your questions are normal. Everyone wonders about the same things—and the more you ask, the more confident and empowered you’ll feel.
Whenever you’re ready to take the next step, the answers (and the support) are here.
