The right questions will help you know if you're getting a good price -- or you should try to get a better deal. Here are the top 10 questions that home sellers don't want you to ask:

1. Why are you selling?

Find out the seller's motivation; that is, how desperate are they to sell?

2. What did you pay?

If a homeowner has been in the house for many years, they probably bought it at a relatively low price, built up considerable equity and benefited from appreciation. This seller may be more inclined to come down on the price.

3. What can you tell me about the neighborhood?

By keeping the question open-ended, you may stumble upon references to the garage band next door, dog kennel over the fence or upcoming picnic to raise money for neighborhood class-action suit.

4. How old is the roof?

The seller may not know if the roof predates the current owner. Consider this follow-up: Who was the previous owner and how can I contact him?

5. When was the last time the furnace was cleaned?

"That's a huge gauge that I use," says Tom Wemett of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. "Furnaces should be cleaned every year. If it has been and there is a nice service record on the side of the furnace, chances are the rest of the house has been cared for."

6. Is this house haunted?

Some states require sellers to disclose the presence of ghosts, poltergeists or paranormal activity on a property. If not, you may be able to draw the information out gradually.

7. Has this property ever been rented?

Rentals take far more abuse than residences, so this could bring down price.

8. What is your impression of the area schools?

A top priority is a quality school district.

9. Do you mind if I schedule a few inspections at my expense?

"This is your one shot to learn about this house," says Wemett. "You should not rely on the seller to give you all the information you need."

10. Would you mind showing us around?

This is the one that selling agents fear above all others. "That gives an opportunity for my buyer to schmooze the seller," and the price might fall.