6 Most Googled Questions about Real Estate in 2026

By The Teel Team

If you’re gearing up to buy or sell a property, you’re probably asking yourself some of the same questions everyone else types into Google. Real estate can feel like a maze, full of new terms, deadlines, and decisions that matter. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. In this guide, we’re pulling back the curtain on the most common real estate questions, offering you helpful answers that will set you up for a confident, informed experience.

No matter if you’re buying your first place or planning to sell and move up, the learning never stops. From understanding your total costs to navigating negotiations, you’re about to find out exactly what you need to know and why it matters for you.

• Most buyers and sellers have similar questions about the process, costs, and timing.
• Clarity about financing and pricing will help you make stronger decisions.
• The way you time your move can impact both your sale price and stress level.
• Getting familiar with offers, contingencies, and appraisals means fewer surprises along the way.

Buying a home might seem like an enormous task, but with the right game plan and support, it becomes far more straightforward and rewarding. The process starts with making sure you’re financially ready. That means looking at your credit, building your savings for a down payment, and connecting with a lender for pre-approval. Pre-approval isn’t just a number; it’s your ticket to shop confidently and make offers that stand out.

Next, the real adventure begins: searching for your home. This is where you’ll figure out what features matter most and where you see yourself living. Our team will work with you to tour homes, both online and in person, helping you separate the “must-haves” from the “maybes.” When you find “the one,” we’ll craft an offer that’s smart, strategic, and competitive — always with your interests at the center.

Once your offer is accepted, things move quickly. You’ll schedule inspections, your lender will order an appraisal, and we’ll help manage every step and negotiation. After you receive final mortgage approval, you’ll head to the closing table, sign the paperwork, and get those keys in your hand. Each step is a milestone, and having the right team beside you makes all the difference.

• Review your finances and check your credit score.
• Get pre-approved for a mortgage.
• Work with our team to search for homes and tour your favorites.
• Make a competitive offer.
• Complete inspections and the appraisal.
• Finalize your mortgage approval.
• Close on your new home and celebrate your move.

You may wonder what our team really does beyond opening doors or putting up “For Sale” signs. The answer is: a lot. When you work with us, you get more than just someone who knows the paperwork. We’re your advocates, advisors, and experts in all things real estate.

If you’re buying, we help you navigate listings, set up tours, and break down market data so you can make informed choices. Our team crafts your offers, negotiates fiercely on your behalf, and manages every detail, from scheduling tours to making sure deadlines are never missed.

Sellers count on us for much more than a listing. We help you set the perfect price, leverage professional marketing to reach the right buyers, and keep your home top-of-mind in the market. We handle all negotiations, paperwork, and keep you updated from the first showing to the closing table. With our support, you get peace of mind and a team that’s focused on your goals.

• Connects you with the best homes or lists your property to reach buyers.
• Advises you on pricing using the latest market insights.
• Manages all paperwork, legal documents, and critical deadlines.
• Negotiates the strongest terms possible for your interests.
• Coordinates with lenders, inspectors, and appraisers.
• Stays by your side from the first meeting to closing.

This is one of the biggest questions buyers have — and for good reason. Offering the right amount can mean the difference between landing your dream home and going back to the search. The “right” number isn’t always obvious; it depends on how hot the market is, how long the property has been listed, and how it compares to similar sales.

Our team will analyze recent sales, property features, and local demand to give you a strategic advantage. If competition is fierce, you may need to offer at or above the asking price, sometimes with escalation clauses or limited contingencies. If the market is slower, we’ll help you negotiate for a better deal.

But it’s not just about the price. The terms you offer — like a flexible closing date or fewer contingencies — can also help your bid stand out. We’ll help you put together an offer that fits your budget and has the best chance of getting accepted.

• Compare with recent sales and current listings.
• Review how long the home has been on the market.
• Factor in your pre-approval and budget.
• Adjust your strategy for current demand.

Whether you’re buying or selling, the inspection is a major moment in every real estate deal. For buyers, it’s your chance to have a licensed professional assess the home’s structure, systems, and overall condition, from the roof down to the smallest fixture. Inspections usually take place after your offer is accepted but before closing, giving you a clear picture of what you’re getting into.

If the inspector finds significant issues, you can negotiate repairs or credits. For sellers, preparing for the inspection means making sure everything works and disclosing any known issues up front. That way, there are fewer surprises and a smoother path to closing.

We’re here to guide you through the inspection report, help you negotiate any repairs, and make sure your interests are protected at every step.

• Roof, foundation, and structural components.
• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
• Built-in appliances and fixtures.
• Possible signs of pests or water damage.

Contingencies are the “if-then” statements in your contract; they protect you by making sure key steps happen before a sale goes through. The most common are the inspection contingency, appraisal contingency, and financing contingency. For example, if your new home doesn’t appraise at the agreed price, you’re usually able to renegotiate or step away without losing your deposit.

We’ll help you understand which contingencies are must-haves and which can be safely waived to make your offer more competitive. The right balance gives you confidence and flexibility, but too many contingencies can sometimes make your offer less appealing to sellers. That’s why our team takes a tailored approach with every client, so your contract works for you.

• Inspection contingency for property condition.
• Appraisal contingency for home value.
• Financing contingency for your mortgage.
• Sale of current home contingency, if needed.

Deciding whether to buy or sell first is an important question. The right answer depends on your finances, the market conditions, and how comfortable you are with some risk. Selling first often gives you more financial clarity, but you may need temporary housing if your next purchase isn’t ready.

Some buyers choose to buy first — especially in a fast market where homes move quickly — if they’re able to handle two mortgages for a short period or qualify for a bridge loan. Making an offer contingent on selling your current property is another option, though it’s not always as compelling in the eyes of sellers.

We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, discuss options for bridging the gap, and create a plan that fits your needs.

• Selling first provides certainty and funds for your next move.
• Buying first ensures you don’t miss your dream home.
• Contingent offers provide flexibility but may be less attractive to sellers.
• Temporary housing or bridge loans can help fill the gap.

Start by reviewing your finances, checking your credit, saving for a down payment, and getting pre-approved by a lender. This gives you a clear budget and signals to sellers that you’re ready.

Down payments vary widely, but many buyers put down between 3% and 20%. The type of loan you qualify for will impact this number.

You’ll need your property deed, tax information, mortgage statements, records of repairs or upgrades, and any required disclosures for your area. Our team will walk you through every document you’ll need.

If your offer isn’t accepted, we can help you adjust your terms or search for another home that meets your needs. Every situation is different, and we’re here to guide your next step.

Every successful real estate journey begins with a great question — and the right answers come from experience and dedication. Whether you’re ready to take action or just want more clarity, our team is here to help you get moving. Let’s talk about your goals, outline your options, and set you up for the best possible experience.

Your new chapter is closer than you think. Why wait? Connect with us at The Teel Team and discover how easy and rewarding your next move can be.