Most Googled Questions About Real Estate in 2025

Buying or selling property is a major milestone — one filled with excitement, anxiety, and a long list of questions. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or preparing to put your house on the market, you’ve probably typed a few burning questions into Google. You’re not alone!

Let’s dive into the most commonly searched real estate questions and get you the answers you’ve been seeking, so you can move forward with confidence.

• Discover answers to the most common real estate questions buyers and sellers search for online.
• Get expert tips to help you make smart, informed decisions about your property journey.
• Learn what you need to know before buying or selling a home.

One of the first things you might wonder when thinking about buying a home is how much you can actually afford. This question is often at the top of Google searches because it’s essential to know your budget before falling in love with a property.

Lenders typically look at your income, debt, credit score, and down payment amount to determine your buying power. However, your comfort level with monthly payments matters just as much as what a bank approves you for.

Mortgage calculators online can offer a quick estimate, but don’t stop there. Speak with a lender to get pre-approved, as this helps clarify the loan amount you qualify for and gives you an advantage when making offers. Remember to factor in additional costs like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and HOA fees (if applicable), which can impact your true monthly obligation.

• Use an online mortgage calculator for an initial estimate.
• Get pre-approved with a reputable lender before starting your home search.
• Don’t forget about extra costs: taxes, insurance, and ongoing maintenance.
• Choose a payment you feel comfortable with, not just the maximum you’re approved for.

Many buyers are eager to start looking at homes, but the process truly starts much earlier. The most important first step is to review your finances and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This shows sellers that you’re serious and well-qualified, making your offer much more compelling.

After pre-approval, team up with me. As your trusted agent, I bring valuable market knowledge and top-notch negotiation skills to the table, helping you find homes that meet your needs and guiding you through the paperwork.

Starting with these steps puts you in an excellent position as you search for the right property.

• Review your credit report and financial standing to ensure accuracy.
• Get pre-approved for a mortgage with a lender.
• Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new home.

Selling your home quickly is a common goal, especially if you’re relocating on a timeline or need to free up equity. The key is preparation — starting with pricing your home correctly for the market. Overpricing can lead to your home sitting unsold, while pricing competitively often attracts more interest from buyers.

Enhance your property’s appeal with simple improvements, such as fresh paint, decluttering, and professional cleaning. High-quality photos and an effective marketing strategy are also critical for grabbing buyers’ attention online. Consider staging your home, either virtually or in person, to help buyers envision themselves living there comfortably.

• Set a realistic, market-driven price point.
• Boost curb appeal with fresh landscaping and exterior touch-ups.
• Clean, declutter, and stage the home for showings.
• Invest in professional photos and a strong online listing.

Buyers and sellers both want to know how long the process will take. For buyers, the search for a home can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on market conditions and how specific your needs are. Once you’ve found the right place, closing usually takes 30 to 45 days.

For sellers, the time on market varies. In a hot market, homes can sell in just a few days. In slower markets, it might take a few months. Preparation time — like repairs, staging, and marketing — can also add to the timeline.

• Home searches may last a few weeks to several months.
• Closing usually takes 30–45 days after an offer is accepted.

When you walk through a home, it’s easy to get distracted by expert staging or pretty finishes. Focus on the fundamentals: check for signs of damage, like cracks or water stains, and pay careful attention to the condition of major systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical). Take note of the layout; does it suit your needs? Imagine your daily routines unfolding, and consider where your furniture would go.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about recent updates or issues. Take your time, and if you love the home, consider coming back for a second look at a different time of day to spot any red flags you may have missed.

• Look beyond staging to spot structural or system issues.
• Evaluate the layout for your needs.
• Check storage space, light, and noise levels.
• Ask questions about updates, repairs, and the age of major systems.

These two terms get searched a lot, and for good reason — they matter! Pre-qualification is a quick estimate of what you might be able to borrow, usually based on self-reported information. Pre-approval is a more thorough process in which the lender verifies your income, credit, and assets to give you a more accurate loan amount.

Sellers take pre-approval more seriously because it means that your finances have already been vetted. Get pre-approved before you start the home search to show sellers you’re ready and able to buy.

• Pre-qualification: an initial estimate based on self-reported info.
• Pre-approval: lender-verified.
• Pre-approval gives you more bargaining power.

A home inspection is a critical step for buyers, and it’s a common source of questions. After your offer is accepted, a professional inspector examines the property thoroughly, looking for issues with the structure, roof, systems, appliances, and more. The inspector provides a detailed report, which you can use to request repairs or negotiate credits with the seller.

It’s important to attend the inspection if you can, ask questions, and understand what repairs are major versus cosmetic. Not everything needs fixing before closing, but big-ticket issues should be addressed.

• Inspectors check structural, mechanical, and safety elements.
• You’ll receive a written report detailing any concerns.
• Leverage the report to negotiate repairs or credits with the seller.

Most buyers put down 3% to 20% of the purchase price. First-time buyers may qualify for lower down payments with certain loan programs, but putting down more can help lower your monthly payment and avoid mortgage insurance.

There’s no magic number, but most buyers view 5–10 homes before finding the right one. Focus on homes that meet your key criteria, and don’t rush; take your time until you feel confident.

Escrow is a neutral third party that holds funds and documents until both buyer and seller meet their contractual obligations. It helps ensure a smooth and fair closing process.

Whether you’re buying your dream home or preparing to list your property, knowledge is your best asset. You’re not alone in your questions; buyers and sellers across the country are searching for these same answers every day.

With trusted information and an experienced professional by your side, you’ll be well-prepared for your next move. Explore Scarsdale, NY, real estate or achieve a standout home sale with me, Cindy Schwall, leading the way.

_{*Header photo courtesy by Cindy Schwall}