What you will learn inside
- I hand you the questions that uncover problems before they become your problems.
- You learn what to ask the seller, the listing agent, and the inspector.
- I show you how the answers change your offer and your negotiation.
- You walk into every showing prepared and in control.
Evan Hitch, MBA, dual-licensed Texas REALTOR® and Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #2716178. Two Licenses. One Hitch.
Key takeaways from this guide
When you tour a home, it is easy to fall in love with the paint colors and the staging and forget to ask the questions that actually protect you. I give my buyers a list of questions before we ever walk through a door, because the answers shape whether we write an offer and how strong that offer is.
Start with the seller's motivation. Why are they selling, and how long has the home been on the market? A seller relocating for a job may be motivated to move quickly, while a home sitting for weeks might signal a pricing issue or a problem buyers keep uncovering. The listing agent does not always share everything, but asking opens the door.
Ask about the home's history. How old is the roof, the HVAC, and the water heater? These are the big-ticket items that can drain your wallet in the first year. A roof near the end of its life is not a dealbreaker, but it should shape your offer and your negotiation.
Dig into the neighborhood. Ask about HOA fees and rules, nearby construction, school zoning, and flood risk. In our part of Texas, flood plains matter, and so does knowing whether a planned road expansion is coming through nearby. These answers affect your quality of life and your resale value.
Ask what the seller knows about problems. Texas sellers provide a Seller's Disclosure Notice that lists known defects, but asking follow-up questions often reveals more. Has there ever been a foundation repair? Any water intrusion? A prior insurance claim? These are fair questions, and the answers guide your inspection priorities.
Finally, ask about the offer process. Are there other offers? What is the seller's ideal closing date? Knowing the landscape helps us craft an offer that stands out without overpaying. The right questions turn a guessing game into a strategy, and that is how I want my buyers to feel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask the seller questions directly?
In most transactions, questions go through the agents rather than buyer to seller. I handle that for you so nothing is lost and the conversation stays professional.
What if the seller will not answer a question?
If a seller refuses to answer something important, that is information in itself. We decide together whether to proceed, adjust the offer, or walk away.
Which questions matter most?
The age of major systems, any history of foundation or water issues, flood zone status, and the seller's timeline. These shape your offer, your inspection focus, and your negotiation.
Should I ask about the neighbors?
You can, though agents are limited in what they can disclose. Visiting the street at different times of day tells you a lot that a question cannot.
The guide is locked until you request it
Fill out the form above and the full guide unlocks right here on this page. It only takes a few seconds.
Have a question this guide did not answer?
Call or text 281-400-0414, or send a message. I answer questions the way I would want my own questions answered: directly.