First-Time Buyer's Guide: 12 Questions to Ask Before You Offer

Your first offer is the scariest money decision you'll ever make in ten minutes. Preparation beats bravado ΓÇö here are the twelve questions our top agents make every client ask.

About the property itself

**1. Why is the seller moving?** A genuine answer (job relocation, upsizing) tells you motivation level. Evasiveness is also information.

**2. What did the seller pay, and when?** Public records or your agent can find this. A seller sitting on 60% equity negotiates very differently than one who bought last year at peak.

**3. How old are the big systems?** Roof, HVAC, water heater and windows each carry five-figure replacement bills. Age matters more than aesthetics.

About the building or street

**4. What are the monthly charges, and what changed last year?**

**5. How many units are tenant-owned versus owner-occupied?** Owner-heavy buildings maintain themselves better ΓÇö full stop.

**6. Any pending special assessments or litigation?** This one question has saved our clients tens of thousands.

**7. What does the street sound like at 8am and 10pm?** Visit twice at different times. Photos don't capture the delivery truck route.

About your money

**8. What will my total monthly cost be ΓÇö mortgage, charges, taxes, insurance?** Lenders qualify you on the first number; life happens on all four.

**9. How much should I hold back for the first year?** Rule of thumb: 1% of purchase price annually for maintenance, more for older homes.

**10. Is my pre-approval solid, or soft?** A full underwritten approval turns your offer into the strongest one even at a lower price.

About the negotiation

**11. What else competes with my price?** Flexibility on closing date, deposit size and contingencies often wins homes that money alone doesn't.

**12. What would make the seller choose me tomorrow?** Ask your agent this before drafting the offer. The answer shapes everything.

Bring these questions, take notes, and you'll negotiate like you've done it before ΓÇö because on paper, you have.