Before making an offer, buyers should get pre-qualified or, preferably, pre-approved by a lender. A pre-approval shows the seller that the buyer is financially prepared and can strengthen their negotiating position.

Buyers should ask why the seller is moving, how much they paid for the home, what they like and dislike about the property, whether there have been past problems or repairs, whether there are neighborhood nuisances, and how the local schools are.

Seller disclosures may not reveal everything about a property. Learning about the home's history, potential problems, neighborhood, and seller's motivation can help buyers decide whether the property is right for them and determine an appropriate offer.