Real estate agents who work with buyers from other communities need to know a lot, because along with questions about the buying process, they will be asked questions that local residents would never ask.

While there are big differences between the questions that will be asked in rural, suburban, and urban neighborhoods, here is a sampling of questions buyers have asked me or my colleagues in the past:

• How far away is each school that serves this area?
• Are there alternative schools like Montessori or religious schools? Where are they? How many students and teachers?
• How far is recreation and what recreational opportunities exist?
• What about taxes? county, city, local
• Is there a difference in taxes between zones?
• If it’s near a state line, what is the difference in state tax between the two?
• Where are the nurseries?
• There is a gym? Where? What are your hours?
• Where are all the churches?
• Where is the nearest grocery store? Is there a discount grocery store anywhere nearby?
• Where are the bus routes? (School and/or urban bus)
• Is there mail delivery to home? Tomorrow or afternoon?
• How are the internet connections here? Is high speed available?
• How about the garbage service? Is it collected or do I have to take it somewhere? Where?
• Is there recycling collection? If not, where can recyclables be taken?
• Is there a good kennel and/or boarding service for dogs?
• What about the vets? Is there an emergency vet clinic for after hours?
• Where is the nearest hospital? Is there a small emergency clinic nearby?
• Is there a care center nearby?
• How about a nursery for the elderly?
• If it is a rural area, how often are the roads maintained?
• If there is snow, how often are the roads/streets cleaned?
• Do you experience frequent power outages?
• Is flooding a problem here?
• What about the mud slides?
• What is the average temperature in winter and summer?
• What is the elevation?
• Are there poisonous snakes?
• Are there poisonous spiders?
• How much does it cost to keep a boat in the marina?
• Are there storage units available nearby? What do they cost?
• How much does it cost to keep a horse in the stables?
• Is there an indoor stadium nearby?
• Are there activities for riders?
• Is there a local 4-H club? What kind of projects?
• Are there Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops?
• Are all the kids’ sports played in the schools, or is there a local parent group that plays softball, soccer, etc.
• Is there an adult softball team?
• Is there a “city team” that plays basketball?
• What are the local celebrations? When are they celebrated?
• Are there Christmas programs?
• Is there an opera house or a stadium where big events take place? What kind of events?
• Is there a county fair nearby?
• Does the community celebrate the 4th of July?

Phew! I’m tired of writing all that! But keep in mind that they are things that the residents of the area who use the different services and shops already know. These are things someone moving to the area will want to know too.

A question you shouldn’t answer…

The only question you will be asked that you will not be able to answer is about the age and/or ethnic composition of the neighborhood. That’s against fair housing laws, so don’t do it.