Before we dive into the 100 questions every home buyer asks, here’s why people from all walks of life trust the way I simplify this process.
My life has been defined by learning things the hard way and explaining them the simple way. Growing up with a traumatic brain injury, traditional learning never came easy. So for 47 years, I taught myself to see the world differently:
Cut the noise.
Find the truth.
Break things down so they actually make sense.
A guidance counselor once called me “the only learning-disabled genius” she’d ever met. She didn’t know where I fit — and neither did I — so I built my own system piece by piece until clarity became my greatest strength.
That clarity has only sharpened with time.
It’s why I can guide investment bankers who need straight numbers,
surgeons who demand precision,
attorneys who expect accuracy,
and first-time buyers who just want someone calm, honest, and clear.
No matter who I’m talking to, I explain things in a way that feels simple, manageable, and human.
Real estate is stressful enough — my job is to remove the confusion, not add to it.
People work with me because I:
- explain big decisions in plain English
- focus on what truly matters
- eliminate overwhelm
- solve problems quickly and calmly
- help them make choices they feel confident about
I don’t talk in circles.
I don’t dance around the truth.
And I never make things more complicated than they need to be.
When you’re making the biggest financial decision of your life, clarity isn’t a luxury —
it’s everything.
And that’s exactly what I bring to the table.
HERE ARE THE 100 MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS HOME BUYERS ASK — SIMPLIFIED
By Steve Schappert — The Summarizer
MONEY, MORTGAGES & AFFORDABILITY (1–20)
1. How much money do I need to buy a home?
Down payment + closing costs + a little cushion. We run the numbers first so there are no surprises.
2. Do I really need 20% down?
No. Most buyers put 3–5% down. Some qualify for zero-down loans.
3. What credit score do I need?
Around 580+ gets you options. Higher score = better rate.
4. How much house can I afford?
What matters is a comfortable payment, not the maximum loan.
5. What’s included in my monthly payment?
Mortgage, taxes, insurance, and sometimes HOA and mortgage insurance.
6. What are closing costs?
The fees to finalize the loan and title. Usually 1–4% of the price.
7. Can I ask the seller to help with closing costs?
Sometimes. Depends on the market and loan.
8. Should I wait for rates to drop?
Buy when the payment makes sense. Rates bounce around.
9. Is it cheaper to rent or buy?
Depends on your situation. Buying builds equity; renting doesn’t.
10. What loan is best? FHA, Conventional, VA?
Depends on credit, income, and down payment. We match the right one.
11. Should I get pre-approved first?
Yes. It gives you real numbers and makes your offer stronger.
12. Will pre-approval hurt my credit?
A little, but it’s worth it. Better than guessing.
13. How long does pre-approval take?
A day or two if your documents are ready.
14. What’s a debt-to-income ratio?
How much of your income goes to debt. Lower = easier approval.
15. Can I buy if I’m self-employed?
Yes. Lenders look at tax returns, not deposits.
16. What if I have student loans?
You can still buy. We just plan around the payment.
17. Are there first-time buyer programs?
Often yes. Grants and down-payment help may be available.
18. How much savings should I keep after closing?
Enough to sleep comfortably — ideally a couple of months’ expenses.
19. Should I buy the nicest house I can afford?
No. Buy the house that gives you a good life, not stress.
20. How do I know if I’m financially ready?
Comfortable payment, stable income, and a clear plan.
MARKET, TIMING & STRATEGY (21–35)
21. Is now a good time to buy?
Good time = the right time for you, not the headlines.
22. Are prices going to crash?
Not likely. They may move, but don’t bank on a crash.
23. Should I buy now or wait?
If waiting improves your life, wait. If it only costs you rent, let’s talk.
24. Is it a buyer’s market or seller’s market?
Depends on the price range and town. We look locally.
25. How long does buying a home take?
Usually 45–60 days.
26. What matters more, size or location?
Location. You can change the house later.
27. Is buying in a “transition area” smart?
More risk, more reward. Depends on your comfort level.
28. Are schools important if I don’t have kids?
Good schools help resale.
29. Should I worry about busy roads?
Yes — noise and resale can be affected.
30. Is a condo a good idea?
Great if you want lower maintenance. Fees matter.
31. How do I know if an area is safe?
Data + local feel. Visit at different times.
32. Should I buy near work or family?
Whichever supports your day-to-day life.
33. How important is resale value?
Always worth considering. Life changes fast.
34. What about flood zones?
Check maps and insurance. Don’t guess.
35. What’s the biggest market mistake?
Buying emotionally instead of logically.
FINDING THE RIGHT HOME (36–50)
36. How many homes should I see?
As many as needed — usually a handful once we know your style.
37. What should I look for during showings?
Layout, condition, light, noise, major systems.
38. Are cosmetic issues a big deal?
Usually not. Structure matters more.
39. How old is too old for a roof or furnace?
Depends on condition. Age isn’t everything.
40. Should I buy a fixer-upper?
Good if you have the time, money, and patience.
41. What matters more: square footage or layout?
Layout wins.
42. How important is storage?
Very. Lack of storage = daily frustration.
43. Should I avoid odd-shaped lots?
If it affects use or resale, yes.
44. Is new construction better?
Not always. Inspect everything.
45. What are the biggest red flags?
Water issues, electrical issues, foundation problems.
46. Can I bring a contractor to a showing?
Yes, smart idea if planning renovations.
47. Should I buy the first house I like?
If it fits and feels right, yes.
48. Does age of the house matter?
Condition matters more.
49. Should I care about the neighborhood vibe?
Yes. You can’t remodel the surroundings.
50. How important is parking?
Very. Daily life depends on it.
WORKING WITH AN AGENT & THE PROCESS (51–65)
51. Why use a buyer’s agent?
Because the listing agent works for the seller. You need your own advocate.
52. Who pays the agent?
Traditionally the seller side, but we talk openly about it upfront.
53. How do I choose the right agent?
You should feel heard, supported, and never pressured.
54. Can one agent help me buy and sell?
Yes — and it often makes everything easier.
55. What’s the first step after pre-approval?
Clarify your must-haves and plan your search.
56. How many homes will you show me?
As many as it takes — but I focus on the best options, not everything on Zillow.
57. Will you tell me if a house is a bad idea?
Absolutely.
58. Can you help with modular homes?
Yes — it’s one of my specialties.
59. What’s the difference between pre-qual and pre-approval?
Pre-qual is talk. Pre-approval is proof.
60. What’s earnest money?
A deposit showing you’re serious.
61. What if I back out?
If it’s covered by the contract, you’re protected.
62. How often will we communicate?
Enough that you’re never wondering what’s happening.
63. Can I see houses without being pre-approved?
You can, but it’s not smart.
64. Do you work with investors?
Yes — strategy simply changes.
65. What happens once my offer is accepted?
Inspections → appraisal → underwriting → closing.
OFFERS, NEGOTIATIONS & APPRAISALS (66–80)
66. How do I know what to offer?
We look at recent sales and competition.
67. Should I offer under asking?
Depends on the home and market.
68. What if there are multiple offers?
We strengthen terms without blowing your budget.
69. What wins offers besides price?
Timing, clarity, strong financing, confidence.
70. What is an appraisal?
A bank check to confirm value.
71. What if the appraisal is low?
We renegotiate or adjust. You won’t go in blind.
72. Should I waive contingencies?
Only if you fully understand the risk.
73. Can I ask for repairs?
Yes — we focus on real issues, not small stuff.
74. What’s the biggest negotiation mistake?
Letting emotion take over.
75. Should I put down a bigger deposit?
It can help show strength.
76. Can the deal fall apart?
Sometimes, but we stay ahead of problems.
77. How long does closing take?
Roughly 30–45 days.
78. Should I worry about competition?
Competition comes and goes. We stay steady.
79. How do I get the best deal?
Be prepared, be realistic, and stay calm.
80. Should I buy a home that doesn’t appraise?
Only if you’re comfortable filling the gap.
INSPECTIONS & CONDITION (81–90)
81. Do I need an inspection?
Yes. Always.
82. What does an inspector do?
Checks major systems and structure.
83. Why are reports always long?
That’s their job — detail everything.
84. Should I walk away if issues show up?
Depends on severity and budget.
85. What about radon or lead paint?
Test and handle them properly — not deal-breakers.
86. Should I check the sewer or septic?
Yes. Expensive surprises hide underground.
87. Do I test well water?
Absolutely.
88. Can I attend the inspection?
Yes — you should.
89. What’s the most common hidden cost?
Maintenance over time.
90. Can I skip inspections to win a home?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
LAND, MODULAR & NEW CONSTRUCTION (91–97)
91. What’s the difference between modular and stick-built?
Modular is built in a factory, then assembled. Same codes, often better efficiency.
92. Do banks treat modular homes differently?
If it’s true modular on a foundation, they treat it like any home.
93. Why pick modular?
Speed, quality, precision.
94. Can I buy land and build later?
Yes, but make sure the land is buildable.
95. What should I check before buying land?
Zoning, wetlands, septic, access, utilities.
96. Are construction loans harder?
They’re more involved. You just need the right lender.
97. Can I buy a land + modular package?
Yes — and it’s often the most efficient route.
REGRET, FEAR & LIFE AFTER CLOSING (98–100)
98. What if I regret my purchase?
Normal feeling. It fades once you settle in.
99. What’s the biggest first-time buyer mistake?
Stretching too far financially.
100. What’s your best advice?
Buy the home that fits your life, your budget, and your future — not your ego.
