What questions do buyers ask about a Markham home during showings?Markham buyers and their agents usually ask the same set of questions: how old the roof, furnace and windows are, what utilities cost, whether the basement has ever had water, what was renovated and with which permits, whether anything is rented, and why the sellers are moving. Sellers who prepare a one-page fact sheet with ages, bills and receipts answer most of these before they are asked. Clear, consistent answers build buyer confidence; vague ones often lead to lower offers or more conditions.
Every showing produces questions. When answers come back quickly and match what buyers see, the home feels well cared for. When they do not, buyers start to wonder what else they do not know.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, prepares a fact sheet with every seller before the first showing.
The 15 questions
- How old is the roof?
- How old are the furnace and air conditioner?
- Is the water heater owned or rented, and what does the rental cost?
- How old are the windows?
- Has the basement ever had water?
- Is there a sump pump or backwater valve?
- What are the average monthly gas, hydro and water bills?
- What is the property tax?
- What renovations were done, and were permits closed?
- Is the basement finished with permits, or a legal second unit?
- What is included: appliances, light fixtures, window coverings?
- Are there any known issues?
- Why are the sellers moving, and how flexible is the closing date?
- Has the home been listed before?
- Are there any condo or road fees?
Build a one-page fact sheet
| Item | What to include |
|---|---|
| Major systems | Year installed for roof, furnace, air conditioner, windows, water heater |
| Utilities | 12-month average for gas, hydro and water |
| Taxes | Current year’s tax bill |
| Renovations | Year, scope and permit numbers |
| Rentals | Company, monthly cost, buyout terms |
| Inclusions | Appliances and fixtures that stay |
Getting ready to list?
Michael John Lau can help you build a fact sheet buyers trust.
Book a seller consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Answering the harder questions
Some questions need care. On why you are moving, a short, honest answer such as relocating or downsizing is enough. On known issues, speak with your lawyer about what you must disclose; hiding a known dangerous defect can lead to a lawsuit. On past listings, buyers can usually see listing history, so be consistent.
Documents to have ready
- Receipts and warranties for major work.
- Permits and final inspection records.
- Survey, if available.
- Pre-listing inspection report, if you had one.
- Rental contracts for equipment.
See pre-listing inspections in Markham.
Why it matters
With 1,122 active listings in Markham in September 2026, buyers compared many homes. A seller who answers clearly removes reasons to hesitate, which can mean fewer conditions and stronger offers. Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information ready before the first showing.
Good answers sell homes as much as good photos do. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What do buyers ask most at showings?
The ages of the roof, furnace and windows, utility costs, water history, renovations and permits, and why the sellers are moving.
Should sellers prepare a fact sheet?
Yes. A one-page sheet with ages, bills, taxes and receipts answers most questions before they are asked.
Do I have to tell buyers why I am selling?
No, but a short, honest answer helps. Your agent can share what you are comfortable with.
What must sellers disclose in Ontario?
Known latent defects that make the home dangerous or unfit. Ask your lawyer about your situation.
Should I share utility bills?
Yes. Average monthly costs help buyers budget and compare homes.
Do buyers check past listings?
Often. Listing history is usually available, so keep answers consistent.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Active listings are from TRREB Market Watch (September 2026). Disclosure duties are general information; speak with a real estate lawyer. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
