When touring a home, most buyers focus on the basics: layout, finishes, price, and maybe a few recent upgrades. But once you move in, it’s often the small, overlooked details that impact your daily life the most.
To truly understand a home (and what it’s like to live there), savvy buyers go beyond the obvious and ask questions others forget. Here are 12 unexpected inquiries that can save you from surprise frustrations and help you make a smarter investment.
1. How’s the Internet Speed Really?
Many LA homes, especially in older or hilly areas, lack access to fiber or reliable high-speed options. Ask the seller which providers are available and what speed they actually get, not just what's advertised.
2. What Happens to the Yard During a Heavy Rainstorm?
Grading, drainage, and runoff can turn a dreamy yard into a soggy mess. Look for signs of erosion or pooling water, and ask if the home has proper drainage or a sump pump system.
3. Do Navigation Apps Route Traffic Through This Street?
Some quiet neighborhoods become Waze cut-throughs during rush hour. Visit during morning and evening peaks, or plug the address into Waze and Google Maps at different times.
4. What’s Drop-Off Like at the Local School?
Living near a school sounds great, until you're stuck in a line of SUVs every weekday. Visit during school drop-off and pickup hours to see how it affects traffic and parking.
5. Do Neighbors Go All Out for Holidays?
Neighborhood culture matters. Ask about Halloween, Christmas lights, 4th of July block parties. Do you want to participate, or avoid the noise?
6. Are There Any Barking Dogs or Party Houses Nearby?
You won’t hear them during a 15-minute showing, but your evenings could tell a different story. Chat with nearby neighbors or visit during off-hours (weekends or evenings) for a realistic sense of sound.
7. Do Certain Plants or Trees Attract Pests?
That lush landscaping might attract ants, rats, bees, or mosquitos. Ask about pest control history and research the types of trees and plants on the property.
8. How Easy Is Guest Parking Really?
Street parking is premium in many LA neighborhoods. Check for permit zones, red curbs, or narrow streets. If you entertain, this matters more than you think.
9. Is Amazon (and Food Delivery) Reliable Here?
Some hillside or gated areas have delayed or spotty service. Ask: Do packages come to the doorstep? Are deliveries left on the street or delayed?
10. How’s the Cell Phone Reception Inside the House?
Some properties, especially with thick stucco or concrete walls, have dead zones. Do a walk-through with your phone in hand. Make a call or run a speed test on data.
11. Is the Home Near a Police/Fire Station?
Noise pollution can be a shock post-close. Use online noise maps or note proximity to siren-heavy areas like hospitals.
12. What’s the Neighborhood Like at Night?
The vibe can shift dramatically after dark. Visit in the evening to gauge lighting, foot traffic, and noise levels.
Final Thought: Ask the Questions That Affect Daily Life
Floor plans and countertops are important, but the way a home lives can’t be fully captured in a listing or open house. Asking the right questions (even the unexpected ones) gives you the power to make a confident, lifestyle-aligned decision.
Need a local expert who knows what to ask and what to watch out for? At the Stephanie Younger Group we don’t just help you find a house, we help you understand exactly what it means to live there.