Real Estate Home Buyer Interview Guide

What prompts the move?

"I'm currently renting a two-bedroom apartment in the city. With the recent addition to our family and a shift towards remote work, we're looking for a larger space, preferably in a quieter, suburban area."

Timeline for buying a new home?

"We're hoping to move within the next 3-6 months, ideally before the start of the next school year to ensure a smooth transition for our children."

Pre-approval for a mortgage?

"We've already initiated the pre-approval process and are waiting for confirmation. Our bank mentioned that it should be finalized within the next two weeks."

$500,000

$100,000

$2,500

Investment goals (if any)?

"Besides finding a comfortable family home, we see this purchase as an investment. We're looking for a property that will appreciate over time, ideally in an area with strong schools and growing community amenities."

Bedrooms

Minimum of 4

Bathrooms

At least 2 (with 1 en-suite)

Size

At least 2,500 sq ft

Location

Suburban areas within 20 miles of [City]

Specific Amenities

Large kitchen, home office space, backyard

Upgrades

Smart home technology, energy-efficient appliances

Architectural Styles

Open to modern and contemporary designs

Community Amenities

Gated community, access to parks and trails

Family considerations

"With two young children and possibly more in the future, we prioritize a safe, family-friendly neighborhood. Good local schools are a must, as is a spacious backyard for play. We'd also like a community with other families and organized activities for children."

Work-life considerations

"I work from home full-time and occasionally host meetings, so a dedicated home office is essential. Proximity to a major highway or public transit for my partner's commute is also important, ideally no more than a 30-minute drive to downtown [City]."

Hobbies and interests

"We're an active family that loves the outdoors. A home near parks, hiking trails, or recreational facilities would be ideal. Additionally, a spacious garage or shed for our bikes and camping gear is a significant plus."

Urban vs. suburban vs. rural

"We're definitely leaning towards suburban. We appreciate the balance between having our own space and still being close to the conveniences and amenities of a larger city."

Neighborhood atmosphere

"We envision a vibrant community with a mix of young families and professionals. A neighborhood known for its safety, community events, and local businesses (like cafes and shops) would be perfect."

Proximity to essentials

"Being within a 10-15 minute drive of groceries, healthcare, and other essentials is important. We'd also appreciate being close to a few dining and entertainment options for family outings."

Availability for viewings

"Our schedules are quite flexible on weekends, and we can also arrange viewings on weekday evenings if needed. We prefer to schedule viewings with at least a couple of days' notice."

Virtual vs. in-person viewings

"We're open to virtual viewings initially, especially for homes that are farther away. However, we'd like to visit homes in person before making any decisions, particularly to get a feel for the neighborhood and the home's true space."

Who will be involved in the decision-making process?

"The decision will primarily be between my partner and me. However, we may seek input from our parents, who have significant experience in real estate investment."

Key factors influencing the decision?

"Apart from our must-have features, the potential for property value appreciation and the quality of local schools will be major factors. We're also looking for a community where we can envision raising our family for the long term."

Preferred methods of communication

"Email is best for sharing listings and detailed information. For quick questions or to arrange viewings, text messages or phone calls are more convenient."

Frequency of updates and feedback

"We would appreciate weekly updates on new listings. After viewings, a debrief within a day or two would be ideal to discuss thoughts and decide on next steps."

Any apprehensions or concerns?

"Our biggest concern is making a competitive offer in a seller's market without overextending our budget. We're also wary of potential hidden costs in older homes."

Key factors influencing the decision?

"Apart from our must-have features, the potential for property value appreciation and the quality of local schools will be major factors. We're also looking for a community where we can envision raising our family for the long term."

"We've outlined your preferences for a suburban home with at least four bedrooms, modern amenities, and proximity to good schools. Your budget is set with pre-approval expected soon, and we've established communication and viewing preferences."

Receive mortgage pre-approval

Next 2 weeks

Begin viewing homes

As soon as pre-approval received

Narrow down choices

1-2 months

Make an offer

2-3 months

Closing

3-4 months

"We've covered a lot of ground today, and it sounds like we have a solid plan moving forward. Do you have any additional questions or concerns at this point? It's important that we're all on the same page and that you feel comfortable and informed about the next steps in the process."

"On behalf of [Your Company Name], I want to thank you for entrusting us with your home search. We're committed to providing you with the highest level of service and to finding you the perfect home that meets all your needs and preferences."

"Please remember that our team is here for you every step of the way. We encourage you to reach out at any time with questions, concerns, or for any clarification. Open communication is key to ensuring that we meet your expectations and help you find your dream home."

"Let's schedule our next meeting to review your mortgage pre-approval status and start discussing potential listings. How does your calendar look for next week? We can adjust based on your availability and preference for a virtual or in-person meeting."