The Unexpected Question I Ask My Buyers Before Showing Them Homes
The Unexpected Question I Ask My Buyers Before Showing Them Homes
As a real estate agent, I’ve learned that buying a home isn’t just about finding the right square footage or the perfect backyard - it’s about the memories you’ll make once you’re living there. That’s why, before I even start showing homes to my buyers, I ask them one simple yet powerful question: “What kinds of memories are you most excited about making in your new home?”
It might sound a little unexpected, but it’s actually one of the most important questions I ask. And here’s why:
It Highlights the Importance of Certain Features
Once buyers start thinking about the memories they want to create, I guarantee it will become clear which features are most important to them. Maybe the kitchen becomes a top priority for those who love cooking and entertaining. Or perhaps a large, open living room is essential for those who envision cozy family nights with room to spread out.
This mindset helps buyers focus on what will matter most in their daily lives - not just what looks good on a listing. After all, a home is more than just a collection of rooms - it’s the backdrop for how you’ll actually live your life. And ultimately, as the agent in this scenario, this questions gives me a much better sense of which homes will be the best fit.
It Gets You Thinking About Your Long-Term Plans
Another thing this question does is make buyers reflect on how long they’ll want to stay in the home. Are they looking for a starter home that they'll outgrow in a few years, or are they searching for a long-term home where they can see themselves raising a family or even retiring?
When buyers start thinking about their future in the home, it helps them make smarter decisions - like whether they need extra bedrooms for a growing family, or if they should consider a smaller home in a better neighborhood to be closer to work, schools, or aging parents. Either way, getting clear on long-term goals and timelines can be a game-changer when narrowing down the home search.
It Makes You Compare to Your Current Living Situation
One of the things I love about this question is that it gets buyers thinking about how they’re currently living. Often, we get so used to our routines and spaces that we don’t stop to think about what could actually make life easier or better. So, I ask my buyers to compare their current home to what they wish they had. For example, maybe it’s an extra bathroom so 4-5 people don’t have to share anymore… or maybe it’s a better kitchen layout with more storage so your countertops are no longer overflowing with clutter…
By reflecting on what’s missing in their current home, buyers can better understand both what they need and what they want in their next home. This leads to more intentional decisions when it comes to sorting through the homes on the market, and when it comes to pulling the trigger on the right one.
At the end of the day, buying a home isn’t just about ticking off a checklist of features -it’s about finding the place where life’s best moments will happen.
So, when you’re thinking about buying a home, take a moment to imagine the memories you’re excited to make. Whether it’s hosting a birthday party, cooking your first meal in the kitchen, or enjoying quiet evenings in the living room - those moments are what will truly make a house feel like home.
