What questions should I ask before making an offer?
Ask why they're selling, time on market and price cuts, what conveys, ages of roof and major systems, the true monthly costs (taxes, insurance, HOA/CDD), known issues and past repairs, and whether other offers exist. The answers shape your price and your terms.
Before your money speaks, let a few questions do it. The answers change what you offer and how you structure it — and most buyers never ask.
About the seller
Why are they selling, and what's their timeline? Motivation is strategy fuel — a relocation deadline reads very differently from someone testing the market. How long has it been listed, and have there been price cuts? The listing history tells you how the market has voted so far.
About the house
Ages of the roof, AC, water heater, and electrical — the insurance drivers. What conveys: appliances, fixtures, that mounted TV. Known issues, past repairs, insurance claims, and permit history — sellers are obligated to disclose known material defects, and specific questions tend to sharpen memories.
About the money
The full monthly picture — taxes, insurance, HOA or CDD fees — which varies home to home even at the same price, plus any planned assessments. And the price itself gets tested against the comps, not against the listing's confidence.
About the competition
Are there other offers, or an offer deadline? The answer sets your tempo and structure — it's the difference between a well-built strong offer and accidentally bidding against yourself.
Collecting these answers is groundwork I do before my buyers write anything. You bring the "do we love it?" — I'll bring the intel.
This answer is general education, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Your situation is unique — let's talk through the specifics together.