September 20th, 2025 | Buying

Questions to Ask When Viewing a House

Although the prospect of purchasing a home is often exciting, it should also be considered a major investment. Therefore, in advance of submitting an offer, prospective homeowners should endeavour to make themselves as informed as possible. This involves asking a selection of astute questions about a property’s fundamental structural components, systems, and history.

As veteran real estate agents in Toronto, Ontario, we have assisted countless home buyers in making an informed, confident purchase. In this article, we will offer key insights on which questions to ask when viewing a home.

Where to Begin Your Buying Journey

If you wish to accomplish a refined, intelligent home-buying process, knowing what to look for when viewing a house is only the beginning.

As a home buyer, your best resource for navigating Toronto’s ever-changing market is an experienced and exceptionally knowledgeable real estate agent. Therefore, the first (and most salient) step in your home-buying journey is to hire the right Realtor.

An agent who understands Toronto’s diverse array of housing types, architectural styles, and the development history of its most sought-after enclaves will know exactly what to look out for and what to ask when introducing you to a home.

Eager to discover the perfect Toronto home? Explore these related readings from our blog.

What to Ask When Viewing a House

For buyers attending showings or open houses, knowing which questions to ask is essential. Although the list below is not exhaustive, it provides a helpful starting point for open dialogue between yourself, the seller, and both parties’ agents.

Why is the House Being Sold?

Understanding a seller’s motives for listing the home can prove insightful. For instance, if they are moving out of Toronto for work or other reasons, they may be willing to negotiate a lower price if their relocation date is just on the horizon. Or, if they are moving due to dissatisfaction with the area, neighbours, or home itself, it could be indicative of challenges or headaches that come with the property.

When Was the Property Built?

Toronto is abundant with charming heritage homes. As a buyer, you will want to know what year the house was initially constructed. This will be paramount for estimating potential issues with the home, as well as insurance costs, property taxes, and appreciation.

Has the Home Been Damaged, Repaired, or Renovated?

Regardless of a property’s age, you must garner as much information as possible about its overall condition. Ask about any damage incurred by the property and repairs that have been made before and throughout the current owner’s tenure.

Additionally, you must also inquire about any minor or major renovations made by the current homeowners. You will want to know what changes have been made to the home, and whether they were compliant with municipal and provincial regulations.

How Long Has the Property been on the Market?

If a home has been on the market for an extended period of time and has failed to sell, it could point to certain issues. Consult with your real estate agent about the property’s current Days on Market (DOM) status, and if they have suspicions or concerns about it.

What is Included With the Home?

Always confirm with a seller about which chattels and inclusions will come with the home. In certain cases, sellers may elect to take certain appliances, furnishings, and other fixtures with them. If there is an otherwise unincluded item you are particularly interested in, you may negotiate for it during the offer process.

What is the Current Property Tax Rate?

One of the most significant expenditures associated with homeownership is property taxes. Be sure to inquire about the current property tax rate for the residence to facilitate appropriate financial planning.

How Much are Average Utility and Insurance Costs?

In addition to annual property taxes, prospective buyers must allocate funds for other recurring expenses, such as utility costs and homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Protecting Your Investment

Asking the right questions during a home showing or open house is only one step in a larger, more encompassing process of protecting your interests as a buyer. Beyond becoming more knowledgeable about a particular property, there are formal strategies buyers can utilize to shield themselves from certain financial hazards in the long term.

More specifically, a home inspection contingency can be particularly protective as you make an offer on a particular home. By making the offer contingent upon the results of a professional home inspection, you can greatly reduce the risks of buying a home with hidden defects.

In today’s real estate landscape, conditional offers have become commonplace. However, they do entail special considerations – especially when there is a competing interest from other buyers. In these circumstances, your real estate agent’s expertise will be essential to your success.

After closely analyzing the property and considering your personal circumstances in relation to competing buyers, they can assist you in determining which conditions are essential and which can be bypassed.

Considering the purchase of a Toronto condo? Explore these related readings.

Find Your Dream Home

At Armin Group, we provide buyers with unparalleled guidance and results – paired with a calm, low-stress purchasing process. Despite the constant evolution of Toronto’s complex real estate landscape, our adaptive expertise offers buyers a refined, financially strategic home purchase.

As experts in personalized property sourcing, we have unparalleled insight into the city’s most exclusive neighbourhoods and the Toronto market. Further, our value-optimizing buying strategies assist buyers in achieving the best possible price and conditions through a self-assured, data-backed approach to offers and negotiation.

Seeking a seamless and strategic home purchase? As distinguished leaders in luxury Toronto real estate, Armin Group can help. Send us an email at ar********@************ty.ca or call our team at 416.960.9995 to begin your journey.

Questions to Ask When Viewing a House

Where to Begin Your Buying Journey