Walking through an open house without asking questions is like reading a book's cover without opening it. The listing agent is there to answer your questions — take advantage of it. These questions are organized by category so you can focus on what matters most to you.
For a broader overview of how to prepare for open houses, read our complete open house guide. And bring our open house checklist to track what you see.
Property History & Condition
These questions help you understand what you're actually buying — beyond what's visible.
“How old is the roof, furnace, and hot water tank?”
Why it matters: These are the most expensive items to replace. A roof costs $8K–$20K, a furnace $4K–$8K. Knowing their age helps you budget for near-term costs.
“Has there ever been water damage or flooding?”
Why it matters: Water damage can lead to mould, structural issues, and insurance headaches. Even repaired damage may affect your insurance premiums.
“When was the electrical panel last updated?”
Why it matters: Homes with original 60-amp or fuse panels may need a $3K–$6K electrical upgrade. Federal Pioneer panels are a known insurance concern in Alberta.
“Are there any known issues with the foundation?”
Why it matters: Foundation repairs can cost $10K–$50K+. Cracks, bowing walls, and water intrusion are red flags worth investigating before an offer.
“What renovations have been done, and were permits pulled?”
Why it matters: Unpermitted work can create liability and insurance issues. If a basement suite was added without permits, the city could require removal.
Seller Motivation & Timeline
Understanding why the seller is moving helps you craft a stronger offer.
“Why is the seller moving?”
Why it matters: A seller relocating for work may be more flexible on price and closing date. A seller who 'just wants to see what they can get' may be less motivated.
“How long has the property been on the market?”
Why it matters: A home that's been listed for 60+ days may have pricing issues or undisclosed problems. It also gives you more negotiating leverage.
“Have there been any offers? Why didn't they work out?”
Why it matters: This reveals whether the home has been overlooked or if previous buyers found deal-breakers during inspection.
“What's the seller's ideal closing date?”
Why it matters: Aligning your closing date with the seller's preference can make your offer more attractive, even at a slightly lower price.
Neighbourhood & Costs
These questions help you understand the true cost of living in this home.
“What are the annual property taxes?”
Why it matters: Alberta property taxes vary significantly by municipality. A $500K home in Calgary may have different taxes than the same value home in Airdrie.
“What are the monthly utility costs?”
Why it matters: Older homes or homes with poor insulation can have significantly higher heating costs — important during Alberta winters.
“Are there any HOA or condo fees? What do they cover?”
Why it matters: Condo fees in Alberta range from $200 to $1,000+/month. Understand what's included (insurance, reserves, amenities) and check the reserve fund health.
“Are there any upcoming assessments, developments, or zoning changes nearby?”
Why it matters: A new highway, LRT extension, or rezoning can significantly impact property values — positively or negatively.
“What's included in the sale (appliances, window coverings, etc.)?”
Why it matters: Don't assume anything is included. Clarify what stays and what goes before you factor replacement costs into your budget.
Questions to Save for Your REALTOR®
Some questions are better directed to your own REALTOR® rather than the listing agent, who represents the seller:
- Is this property fairly priced based on comparable sales?
- What negotiating leverage do we have?
- Are there any red flags in the disclosure documents?
- Should we include an inspection condition in our offer?
- What's the best offer strategy for this situation?
Put these questions to use this weekend
Browse upcoming open houses across Alberta and start planning your tour route.
Browse Open HousesRelated Guides
Complete Open House Guide for Buyers
Everything you need to know before, during, and after an open house visit.
Open House Checklist
A printable checklist of what to inspect, photograph, and ask about.
First-Time Buyer Open House Guide
Tailored advice for buyers attending their very first open house.
Open House vs. Private Showing
When each option makes sense and how to get the most from both.
Browse Open Houses in Alberta
See all upcoming open houses across 20 Alberta cities.