Question: What are some important questions buyers should ask themselves as they search for properties?

Two types of buyers we see often in Marin highlight how important it is to think beyond your immediate needs and ask the right questions.

A young family with one infant and another on the way may prioritize having the primary bedroom right next to the kids’ rooms — today. But fast forward a few years, and that same layout may feel too close, with everyone craving more separation. The same goes for features like a pool — something that may feel like a safety concern now, but later becomes the reason your home is where everyone gathers.

Downsizers — often in their late 50s or 60s with kids just off to college — are typically focused on simplifying. But in doing so, they may overlook how a home will function long-term. Multiple levels can become challenging over time, and even in a smaller home, having distinct spaces still matters as lifestyles evolve.

The takeaway: the most important question isn’t just “Does this home work for me now?” — it’s “Will this home still work for me in five to 10 years?”

That’s where thoughtful guidance, an experienced buyer’s agent — and the right questions — can make all the difference.

Liz was featured in the SF Chronicle for the weekly Real Estate “SoundOff” on Thursday, April 19, 2026, to answer this question. The above is her longer answer to this question.