Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make, and touring properties is where it all starts to feel real. Walking through a potential home gives you a chance to see how it feels, picture your life there, and spot any red flags. But it is also easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to dig deeper.

At The Coley Group, we know the right questions can help you see past the fresh paint and pretty staging to get a true sense of the home’s value, condition, and fit for your lifestyle. Here are the top 10 questions we recommend asking when you are touring a home in Raleigh.

---

1. How long has the home been on the market in Raleigh?

In a market as dynamic as Raleigh, days on market matter. If the home has been listed longer than the city’s average, there could be room for negotiation, or issues worth investigating. For reference, Realtor.com reports that homes for sale in Raleigh, NC, currently average about 55 days on market (as of September 2025).

---

2. Have there been any recent price reductions on this Raleigh property?

A price drop could signal seller motivation, market feedback, or unexpected challenges. Understanding pricing history offers insight into how aggressively you can negotiate in Raleigh’s fast-paced market.

---

3. What is included in the sale?

In North Carolina, only permanently attached fixtures, like built-in appliances, ceiling fans, or mounted light fixtures, are typically included in the sale. Items that appear during a showing, such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, patio furniture, backyard fire pits, may not convey unless they’re specifically written into the purchase agreement. It’s always smart to ask what’s included upfront to avoid surprises later in the process.

This is based on the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® Standard Offer to Purchase and Contract (Form 2-T).

---

4. What’s the age and condition of major systems like the HVAC, roof, and water heater?

These systems are some of the most expensive to repair or replace. Ask for details or service records if available, especially in older Raleigh homes or neighborhoods with vintage charm.

---

5. Are there any disclosed issues or past repairs on the property?

North Carolina law requires sellers to disclose known problems, but asking in person can sometimes yield more context. This question opens the door to understanding the home’s maintenance history or potential future costs.

---

6. What is the neighborhood like, both during the day and at night?

Beyond the home itself, ask about local noise levels, traffic flow, and the overall vibe. Our Neighborhood Match Survey is a great starting point to help you find communities in Raleigh that match your lifestyle before you start touring.

---

7. How is the home positioned for resale value?

Location, layout, school zones, and future developments all impact resale value. Our team takes into account resale factors like these every day as part of helping our clients navigate Raleigh’s housing market more clearly.

---

8. What are the property taxes and HOA fees?

These ongoing costs significantly affect your monthly and yearly budget. Many Raleigh neighborhoods with HOAs offer perks like walking trails, pools, and lawn care. Ask what’s included and whether the fee structure fits your lifestyle.

---

9. How accessible are daily amenities and your future commute?

Whether you’re commuting to downtown Raleigh or the RTP, or simply want proximity to top-rated schools, parks, and shops, evaluate how well the home supports your daily routines. Our free Raleigh Relocation Guide maps out local amenities and commuting zones to help you plan smarter.

---

10. Why are the current owners selling this home in Raleigh?

While sellers may not disclose every detail, their motivation (relocation, downsizing, upsizing) can offer insight. Combined with other answers, this context can be a powerful piece of the negotiation puzzle.

---

Tour Raleigh Homes with Confidence

The more you know during a home tour, the more confident you will feel about making an offer. These questions are just the starting point. At The Coley Group, we will help you dig deeper, evaluate the answers, and protect your best interests every step of the way.

Take our quick Neighborhood Match to find your perfect fit, or download our free Relocation Guide for an insider’s look at Raleigh’s top communities, commute patterns, and hidden gems.

Here to show you Raleigh’s best, one tour at a time.