🕵️‍♂️ BUYERS: What Your Agent Should Be Asking (But Often Doesn’t)

By Monica Stefanescu

Link to article in Spanish and in Romanian

If you’re buying a home in Florida, especially in today’s insurance-driven market, your agent needs to do more than open doors and submit offers. They need to ask the right questions — the kind that can make or break your deal.

Here are the questions I ask before you fall in love with a home:

1. Has the home had a 4-point inspection recently?

If not, you might run into trouble getting insurance. Florida insurers require a 4-point for older homes, and the results could impact your ability to close or how much you pay out-of-pocket.

2. What year were the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical last updated?

Not just for insurance — but also for your peace of mind. These major systems aren’t cheap, and if two or more need replacement, it’s something you should know upfront.

3. Is this property in a flood zone? And how much would flood insurance cost?

We don’t guess on this. We look it up.

4. Are there HOA rules or restrictions that could impact you?

Especially important if you have pets, want to rent the home later, or plan renovations.

5. What kind of loan are you using?

Because the type of financing you use impacts everything — including whether the home qualifies under that loan. FHA, VA, or Conventional loans all have different inspection tolerances and appraisal standards.

I’m not here to scare buyers off. I’m here to make sure you’re asking the right questions before you’re emotionally and financially invested.

Buying a home is exciting. It should also be strategic.

If your agent isn’t asking these questions, Let's talk.