In the era of social distancing, online listings have been a boon for homebuyers searching for the perfect place to live. Still, image galleries and video tours can only take you so far: Sometimes, you may need to see a potential home in person.

Attending an open house is often when homebuyers see a property before they make an offer—so it’s important to ask the right questions while you’re there. Your real estate agent will be there for moral and professional support, but here are a few suggestions for what questions to ask at an open house.

Read more: The Virtual Homebuyers Guide

General Questions

You should go into any open house knowing a few things first: the age of the property, how long it’s been on the market, and if it’s been vacant (these questions are particularly pertinent for old houses). If the home was built before 1978, some additional questions may arise. As a buyer of an older property, you’ll want to know about any issues or testing the home has had.

  • Has the house been tested for mold?
  • Has the house been tested for asbestos?
  • What about lead paint?
  • Has it been tested for radon? (This sounds scary, but it isn’t a deal-breaker)
  • What is the condition of the electrical, and is it all grounded?
  • What types of plumbing pipes are in the home? 

Asking these types of questions will give you an idea of what to expect if you decide to move forward with an offer and subsequent home inspection.

Regardless of the property’s age, you’ll also want to ask the following questions that could impact monthly bills, insurance premiums, and more. Knowing the answers to potential immediate expenses as well as future expenses will help you better budget for what your actual costs will be, rather than just the monthly mortgage payment.

  • How much, on average, are the utility bills? This could include gas, water, electric, propane heating, and any other utility fees charged by the county or city.
  • Is the home located in a flood zone? If so, how much do the current owners pay for flood insurance?
  • When was the roof last replaced?
  • How old are the HVAC systems? Are they serviced regularly?
  • Has the home undergone any renovations or upgrades? Do the current sellers have the required permits?

If you suffer from allergies or asthma or have family members who do, you may also want to ask these questions:

  • Have there been pets in the home?
  • Has there been any smoking inside the home?

Questions About the Kitchen

The kitchen is fondly called the heart of any home. It’s also one of the areas that can help sellers get a big return on investment—even a minor kitchen remodel could boost eventual dollars in a seller’s pocket. It will likely be obvious if a kitchen has been renovated recently, but always ask if you’re not sure. Here are a few other questions to ask about the kitchen, whether it’s magazine-ready or in need of an upgrade: 

  • Has the kitchen undergone any major repairs?
  • Have there been any water issues?
  • How old are the appliances? (If they’re on the newer side, you may also want to inquire about warranties. And while it’s common in the U.S. for appliances to be included, you’ll also want to ask if they come with the home.)

Asking about appliances shouldn’t be limited to the kitchen. While you’re inquiring about the fridge and oven, don’t forget to ask about other appliances such as the washer, dryer, and aforementioned HVAC systems. 

Questions About the Bathrooms

Like kitchens, bathrooms are another place where you can probably tell if the sellers have put money toward renovations. (Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most expensive areas of the home in terms of construction, and also where we spend much of our time). Your questions about bathrooms will be very similar to what you’d ask in the kitchen:

  • When were the bathrooms last updated or renovated?
  • Have there been any water issues or major repairs?
  • What’s the water pressure like? (You can also ask to test this out yourself.) 

Questions About the Yard

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’d do well to ask about the yard. I personally went from renting small apartments to owning a home with a big backyard and have been experiencing sticker shock ever since. If the property has a fence, you’ll want to observe—and ask—how old it is. If there’s no fence, inquire about the property lines. Here are a few more ideas: 

  • Are there any drainage issues in the yard?
  • Are there, or have there ever been, any pest issues?
  • How much sun does the yard get seasonally?
  • How much does any lawn or tree service cost?
  • If there's a pool, how old are the pumps and filters?
  • If there's a deck, about how old is it?

Read more: The Real Cost of Having a Big Backyard 

Questions About Bedrooms

Bedrooms are a little less tricky than other areas of the house, indoors or out. Still, there are a few questions you may want to consider—even if you’re only asking yourself: 

  • What size bed will fit in here?
  • Are there enough electrical outlets for my needs?
  • How is the sun exposure?
  • Does the bedroom look into any neighboring windows? 

Questions About the Neighborhood

The house might be ideal, but does the neighborhood suit your lifestyle? This is an important question. After all, neighborhoods are what inspired our entire website, and we put neighborhoods at the center of your home search. Here are a few ideas of questions you can ask, although talking with your real estate agent and doing your own research can help you gauge if the neighborhood will fit your needs.

  • Is there a monthly homeowners association (HOA) fee?
  • Are there any restaurants, parks, or other attractions within walking distance?
  • Are there any hospitals and/or urgent care facilities nearby?
  • Where can I find accurate information about school zoning and rankings?
  • Where can I find accurate information about area crime rates?

You also may want to simply ask, “what are the neighbors like?” This won’t be an issue if you’re more introverted or prefer to keep to yourself, but inquiring about the neighbors can help give you a sense if you’re moving into a kid-friendly space, a street with lots of retired people, young professionals, or a mix of all of the above.

Read more: 6 Ways to Know You've Found the Right Neighborhood

While it’s unlikely you’ll have the time or inclination to ask every single one of these questions at an open house, remember that attending an open house gives you the opportunity to speak to the listing agent, discuss your top priorities and get an overall feel for the property. Reviewing your questions and concerns in advance—and partnering with a trusted real estate agent—is the best way to be prepared.