Making an Offer
Before You Write the Offer: What to Know, What to Ask
Before you even think about writing an offer on a home, one of the most powerful things you can do as a buyer is get pre-approved by a lender. In today’s Michigan market, a strong pre-approval letter can make or break your negotiation. It tells the seller: “I’m ready, I’m serious, and I can afford this.” That’s hard to ignore when offers come in.
Once you’ve found the right home and you’re ready to move forward, we’ll talk through what kind of offer makes sense — not just based on price, but also on context. That means asking the right questions. Because while sellers are required to disclose known issues (and in Michigan, the Seller Disclosure Statement is no joke), those forms don’t always tell the whole story.
Here are 6 smart questions that can help you better understand the home — and how to approach your offer.
1. Why are they selling?
This one often opens the door to valuable insight. Are they relocating for work? Downsizing? Divorcing? You might even learn if there’s a timing factor we can work with in negotiations — or if there’s something about the property they didn’t love.


2. What did they originally pay for the home?
This isn’t about lowballing. But it can give you context, especially if they bought before the big market shifts we’ve seen across Michigan the last few years. Keep in mind, though — the price they paid doesn’t always line up with current value, especially if they’ve renovated or the neighborhood has changed.
3. What do they love (and not love) about the place?
Sometimes sellers are surprisingly candid. They might rave about the natural light, the neighbor who snow-blows everyone’s driveway, or the walking trails nearby. But what they don’t like could be useful too — like street noise or a tricky driveway in winter — especially here in Michigan where seasons matter.
4. Have there been any issues with the house?
Ask this directly. “Have you had any problems with the home?” Look for things like past water leaks, foundation repairs, or appliance malfunctions. Even if something was fixed, it’s worth knowing how serious it was and how it was handled. We’ll also review disclosures together so nothing slips through the cracks.
5. Any issues with the neighbors or neighborhood?
This one’s big. Barking dogs, a neighbor who revs a snowmobile at 6 a.m., or even rumors of a new development nearby — you want to know what it’s really like to live there, not just what’s on the MLS sheet.
6. How are the local schools?
Even if you don’t have school-age kids, schools impact home values. In Michigan especially, school districts play a major role in long-term investment value. You might ask the seller their take, or dig into the local district’s reputation and rankings.
The more you know, the better we can craft your offer — not just in price, but in terms and timing too. I’m here to guide you through this entire process, ask the right questions on your behalf, and help you make a smart, confident move.