Seven questions to ask before your first showing

Most buyers arrive at a first showing with questions about the kitchen. The useful questions are duller than that, and they are about the parts of the house you cannot see.

Ask about what is hidden

Ask when the roof was last replaced and whether there is a receipt. Ask what the sellers pay to heat the house in January. Ask whether the foundation has been touched, and by whom. Ask what the neighbours are like, and watch how long the answer takes.

None of these are difficult questions, and a seller's agent who cannot answer them has not done the work.