11 Things You Should Know Before Making an Offer

It’s easy to fall in love with a home during a showing. Maybe it’s the kitchen, the backyard, or simply the feeling you get when you walk through the door. But before you make an offer, let’s make sure the rest of the picture feels right, too. I’ve seen how the details that seem small now can matter quite a bit once you’re living there. So we’ll take the time to look beyond that first impression and make sure you know what you’re saying yes to.

1. KNOW THE PROPERTY
First, let’s get to know the home beyond what you saw during the showing. We’ll look at its size, layout, age, and condition. Square footage and room dimensions may appear in the MLS, but if a particular measurement matters to you, it’s worth verifying. I’d much rather help you check something now than have you discover later that it wasn’t quite what you expected.

A good home inspector can help us learn much more about the home’s condition. Inspections typically happen after an offer is accepted, but if something caught your eye during the showing, make a note so the inspector can give it extra attention. Depending on the contract and circumstances, an inspection contingency may also give you options if significant concerns are uncovered. If you’re purchasing the property “as is,” we’ll want to understand what that means before you move forward. If you’d like to know more about the process, this article walks through home inspections in more detail.

2. READ THE DISCLOSURES
Every home has a history, and seller disclosures can help us understand some of it. Requirements vary by state and circumstance, so we’ll first determine what disclosures are available. Then we’ll take our time reviewing them. Past repairs, known defects, recurring problems, or anything that leaves you with a question deserves our attention. You don’t have to know what every item means or what to ask next. That’s something we can work through together.

3. REVIEW ALL APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
If the home belongs to a homeowner’s association (HOA), you’ll want to know what being part of that community actually involves. We’ll look beyond the dues and review the rules, restrictions, financial information, amenities, and any planned improvements or special assessments that could affect you. HOA documents are often reviewed after an offer has been accepted, depending on local practice and the contract. There can be a lot to read, so don’t feel like you have to make sense of it all on your own. I’ll help you identify the things that deserve your attention so you can decide whether the community still feels like a good fit.

4. REVIEW THE TAXES
You’ll want to feel comfortable with the ongoing costs of your new home, not just the purchase price. We’ll review the property’s current tax bill and history, including its assessed value and any known assessments. Just remember that what the current owner pays may not be what you’ll pay. Exemptions, ownership changes, assessment practices, and local tax rules can all make a difference. If you’re financing the purchase, your lender can also explain how property taxes may factor into your monthly payment. The important thing is that you have a realistic idea of the expense before it becomes yours.

5. RESEARCH SAFETY
Feeling comfortable with where you live matters, and what feels right to one person may be different for someone else. That’s why it’s important to research available crime and safety information for yourself. Fair Housing requirements limit the type of neighborhood guidance a real estate professional should provide, but I can point you toward objective resources that let you explore the information based on what matters to you. This helpful article from Realtor.com is one place to start.

6. LEARN ABOUT THE SCHOOLS
If schools are important to you, take some time to explore the things that matter most to your household. That might include the schools serving the address, transportation, programs, extracurricular activities, proximity, or other considerations. There’s no single piece of information that tells the whole story, so comparing several resources can help you get a better feel for your options:

7. DETERMINE DISTANCES FOR EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES
Try to picture an ordinary Tuesday after you’ve moved in. How long will it take to get to work? To school? To the grocery store? To the places you seem to visit every week? Check the routes you’ll travel regularly and use Google Maps during the times you’re actually likely to be on the road. A short distance can become a surprisingly long drive during rush hour. It may not change how you feel about the home, but you deserve to know what your everyday routine could actually look like before you decide.

8. SCOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
You’re choosing more than the house itself. You’re choosing everything around it that may become part of your daily life. Spend some time exploring the parks, restaurants, shops, recreation, medical facilities, and other places that matter to you. Google and Google Maps can tell you quite a bit, but spending some time in the area yourself can tell you things a map never will.

And if you see a neighbor outside, say hello. Ask what they enjoy about living there and what they wish they’d known before moving in. I’ve always found that people who actually live in a neighborhood can offer a perspective you won’t find in a listing or online search.


9. CHECK THE BANDWIDTH
While you’re visiting the home, pull out your phone and check the reception. Also find out which internet providers serve the address and what service options and speeds are available. Whether you work from home, stream movies, play games, or video chat with people you care about, reliable connectivity is one of those everyday things you don’t think much about — until you don’t have it.

10. ESTIMATE THE UTILITIES
No one wants one of the first surprises in a new home to arrive in the form of a utility bill. Ask whether historical costs are available for electricity, natural gas or propane, water, sewer, and garbage pickup. A longer history can help you see seasonal differences, although your actual costs will depend on how you use the home. We’re simply trying to give you a reasonable idea of what to expect so you can plan accordingly.

11. ESTIMATE REMODELING COSTS
Maybe you’ve already imagined a different paint color, new flooring, a beautiful deck, or completely new landscaping. That’s part of making a home your own. Just make sure you have a realistic sense of what those ideas may cost before you commit. Some improvements may need attention right away, while others can wait until you’ve lived there awhile and know what you really want. If you’re considering a home that could use some love, these articles can help you think through the possibilities:

Buying a home is a big decision, and I want you to feel good about it long after the excitement of moving day has passed. That means looking at the things you love about the home, but also taking care of the practical details that are easy to overlook. I’ll be here to help you ask the questions, sort through what we learn, and make sure you understand what you’re getting into. Then, if this is the home you choose, you can move forward knowing we gave the decision the care it deserved.