8 Questions Realtors Get Asked All the Time (And What You Really Need to Know)

If you've ever started a conversation with a REALTOR®, there's a good chance it began with one of these eight questions. And we get it—buying or selling a home is a big decision, and you want to make sure you're informed and ready. Here’s how I usually answer the questions clients ask most often (plus a few helpful tips from the front lines).

1. What’s the first step when I’m thinking about buying a home? Where do I start?

Start with financing. The best first move is to speak with a mortgage broker or your financial institution to get pre-approved. This one step:

• Helps you understand your price range
• Saves time for you, your REALTOR®, and sellers
• Prevents heartbreak if you fall in love with a home you can’t finance
• Signals to sellers that you’re a serious buyer

From there, I like to ask a few important questions: Do you need to sell your current home first? Are we in a buyer’s or seller’s market? Then, we walk through your needs and wants—location, size, lifestyle, budget—and I share a personalized worksheet I use with all my buyers to help them prioritize.

2. How’s the market? Is it a good time to buy or sell?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your situation: Are you upsizing? Downsizing? Relocating? The real question isn’t just whether the market is “hot”—it’s whether the timing aligns with your personal goals.

That said, the best time to buy is when:

• You’ve secured financing
• You’ve found a property that meets your needs
• You’re prepared to act

That’s when the market matters less—and your readiness matters more.

3. What do I need to do to prepare my home for sale?

Buyers want to picture themselves living in your home—not feel like they’re visiting yours. A few essential steps:

• Depersonalize and declutter: Pack away personal items like family photos and knick-knacks
• Boost curb appeal: Freshen up your landscaping, trim bushes, mow the lawn
• Give it a deep clean: Either DIY or hire a professional—clean homes sell faster and often for more

4. Should I renovate before I sell?

A full renovation rarely makes sense before listing. But a refresh? Absolutely.

• Fix minor flaws—squeaky hinges, burned-out bulbs, scuffed baseboards
• Re-caulk tubs and sinks, patch small wall holes, and touch up paint
• Consider repainting in neutral tones to appeal to more buyers
• If the home is vacant, light staging can help showcase the space without overwhelming it

Think of it as giving your home a well-deserved glow-up—nothing too major, just enough to make a solid first impression.

5. What happens once I find a home I like?

Once you’ve found “the one,” your REALTOR® will walk you through the offer process, which includes:

• Deciding on a price and deposit
• Including terms and conditions like financing, home inspection, or the sale of your current home
• Preparing for closing costs (think: legal fees, property taxes, and more)

Is it still a multiple-offer market? That depends on where you live. In Alberta, for example, we’ve seen some shifts. Average days on market and competition vary by community and price point—but don’t worry, I’ll guide you through the current local trends and what to expect.

6. What are closing costs, and how much should I budget for?

Closing costs can add up, so it's good to be prepared. Here's a basic breakdown of what buyers might expect:

• Legal fees (varies by lawyer, usually $1,200–$2,000)
• Title insurance
• Property tax adjustments
• Home inspection
• Appraisal (if required by lender)
• Utility hookups or deposits
  Your lender or REALTOR® can help estimate the totals for your specific situation.

7. Should I sell my home empty or while I’m still living in it?

There are pros and cons to both. Selling a furnished home can help buyers imagine how the space functions, but too many personal items can be distracting. An empty home may appear cleaner or larger but might also feel cold or lack context.

A happy medium? Partial staging. Keeping a few carefully selected furniture pieces and décor items can help buyers connect with the space while still showing off its potential. (Source: CREA Café)

8. Can I buy and sell at the same time? How does that work?

It’s possible, but the logistics matter. Some buyers sell first and then rent short-term. Others buy first and use a bridge loan or write an offer contingent on their home selling. It depends on your financial flexibility and the pace of the market in your area. The key is strategy—and that's where an experienced REALTOR® can help you time it right.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, or downsizing for a simpler lifestyle, chances are you’ve asked—or will ask—at least one of these questions. As your REALTOR®, I’m here to guide you through each step and help make the process smoother, more informed, and maybe even a little fun.

Got more questions? I’d love to hear them.