Making an offer

Navigating the Offer Process with CFRE

Before initiating an offer to purchase, securing at least pre-qualification, or ideally, pre-approval from a lender is essential.

The pre-approval is a potent tool for negotiation, demonstrating to the seller your financial readiness to proceed. After pinpointing the right home, it's time to prepare your offer.

In the realm of home buying, sellers are obliged to disclose various issues. Yet, these disclosures might not capture the complete picture. Here are six key inquiries that can offer deeper insights into the prospective home, empowering your decision-making process before finalizing your offer.

  • Seller's Motivation: Understanding why the seller is parting with the house can shed light on its true value. Identifying any concerns the seller may have can influence your offer accordingly.

  • Original Purchase Price: Uncover what the seller initially paid for the home. While this might aid negotiation, bear in mind that factors like market shifts and home improvements impact the current value.

  • Seller's Likes and Dislikes: Delve into the seller's perspective on the property's strengths and weaknesses. Contrasts between their preferences and yours could offer valuable insights.

  • Past Issues: Inquire if the seller encountered problems during their occupancy. For instance, past leaks might have left lasting damage, even if repaired.

  • Surrounding Environment: Probe for nuisances or challenges, such as noisy neighbors or planned community changes. These insights could reveal seller motivations.

  • School Quality: As schools often shape community value, gauge the seller's perception of the local public schools.


Arming yourself with comprehensive knowledge about a potential home not only assists in evaluating its suitability but also guides your offer strategy. Your CFRE real estate professional will help extract crucial answers and provide guidance for assessing your findings.