Questions I Often Ask Sellers Before Listing a Home in Narragansett

When homeowners begin thinking about selling, the conversations often start with the questions people expect.

What price might the home sell for?
When would be the right time to list?
What kind of marketing will be used?

Those are important conversations, of course. But in my experience, some of the most valuable discussions actually involve questions sellers don’t always expect.

Over the years, I’ve learned that small details can quietly influence how smoothly a transaction unfolds. Because of that, part of my preparation before listing a home involves asking questions that may seem unrelated at first, but often become important later in the process.

Utility Details Sellers Don’t Always Think About

One of the first things I often ask about is the home’s utilities.

For example, are the oil or propane tanks owned, or are they rented through a supplier?

It’s a small detail that can easily be overlooked. But if a tank is rented, the agreement may need to be transferred to the buyer or closed out before the property changes hands. Addressing that early helps avoid confusion later when attorneys begin reviewing documents.

Renovations and Smoke Compliance

Another common conversation relates to renovations.

If improvements have been made over the years — finishing a basement, adding bedrooms, updating living space — I usually ask whether permits were pulled and how the smoke and carbon monoxide system is set up.

Local smoke inspections can sometimes become more complicated when renovations have taken place, especially if building codes have changed since the work was completed. Understanding those details ahead of time helps prevent unexpected delays when the home is preparing to close.

Deed Restrictions, Easements, and Property History

With many properties in coastal communities like Narragansett, the land itself sometimes carries a longer story.

Older subdivisions, shared driveways, or drainage easements may appear in the deed history even if they haven’t been thought about in years. Buyers and their attorneys will often review those documents closely, so having a clear understanding of them before listing can make the transaction much smoother.

Personal Property and Seller Expectations

Sometimes the questions are simpler.

Are there any pieces of furniture or fixtures the seller expects to keep?
Are there items buyers may assume are included with the home?

Clarifying those expectations early helps prevent small misunderstandings during negotiations later on.

Leases or Rental Agreements

If the property has ever been rented, another conversation usually follows.

Is there a lease currently in place?
Are there any security deposits being held?
How long is the lease term?

Handling those details properly ensures everything transfers appropriately to the new owner and remains compliant with Rhode Island law.

Understanding the Seller’s Perspective

Not all of the questions I ask are about the property itself. Some of the most helpful conversations involve understanding how the seller experienced the home and what they hope for in the process.

For example, I often ask:

What originally sold you on this home when you bought it?

Sometimes the answer reveals something buyers may notice right away — a view, the way the light moves through the house in the afternoon, or how close the home is to the water or town.

I also ask sellers about their past experiences with real estate.

Have you worked with a real estate professional before? What did you appreciate about that experience? Is there anything you would have done differently?

Another question I sometimes ask is simple but important:

What are the three things you’re looking for in the agent representing your home?

Every seller values something slightly different — communication, strategy, organization, or simply feeling confident that the details are being handled carefully.

And sometimes the conversation turns toward the future.

Where do you see yourself going after this home sells?

Understanding what comes next for a seller often helps shape the strategy for how the property should be positioned and when it should enter the market.

Why These Questions Matter

None of these topics are unusual. In fact, they appear in transactions more often than many sellers realize.

But when these details are discussed early — before the home even reaches the market — the entire process tends to feel more predictable for everyone involved.

Many of these same considerations relate to the kinds of small issues that can quietly complicate a sale if they aren’t addressed early, which I discussed further in my article on the details that can complicate a home sale in Narragansett.

About the Author

Katie Kilcommons is a Rhode Island real estate professional focused on residential and coastal properties throughout South County, including Narragansett, Jamestown, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, and surrounding communities.