Top Questions to Ask Before Making an Offer on a Home

By The Corio Group, Walnut Creek Real Estate Experts

Making an offer on a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will ever make. In competitive East Bay markets like Walnut Creek, Concord, and surrounding Contra Costa County communities, emotions can run high—and hesitation or missteps can be costly. As Walnut Creek real estate experts, we guide buyers through this moment every day, ensuring each offer is informed, strategic, and aligned with long-term goals.

Before you submit an offer, asking the right questions can mean the difference between securing the right home and inheriting unexpected challenges. This guide outlines the top questions every buyer should ask to move forward with confidence.

List price and market value are not always the same. Understanding how the home is priced relative to recent comparable sales is critical. In some cases, homes are intentionally priced low to generate competition, while others may reflect aspirational pricing based on upgrades or location.

We analyze recent sales, days on market, price-per-square-foot trends, and neighborhood-specific demand to determine whether an offer should be at, above, or below asking. This question sets the foundation for every negotiation.

Days on market provide valuable insight into buyer demand and seller motivation. A home that has just listed may require a more aggressive offer, while a property that has lingered could present opportunities for negotiation on price, terms, or repairs.

In fast-moving areas of Contra Costa County, even small differences in timing can influence leverage. Understanding why a home hasn’t sold yet is just as important as understanding why it’s appealing.

Seller motivation often shapes negotiation strategy. Are they relocating for work, downsizing, managing an estate, or selling an investment property? While not every detail is disclosed, knowing the context helps determine flexibility around price, closing timelines, or contingencies.

We work directly with listing agents to uncover insights that allow buyers to craft offers that align with the seller’s priorities—often without increasing price.

Disclosures are one of the most important components of the offer process, especially in California. Reviewing them carefully can uncover issues related to the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, pest activity, or prior repairs.

Before making an offer, buyers should understand what is known about the property and what still requires investigation. Disclosures often influence whether to adjust offer price, include contingencies, or plan for future improvements.

A home’s true cost extends beyond the purchase price. Asking about the age and condition of major systems—roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and sewer—helps buyers anticipate future expenses.

In older homes common throughout Walnut Creek and Concord, these systems may be nearing the end of their useful life. Factoring replacement timelines into your offer strategy protects long-term financial stability.

For condominiums and planned communities, homeowners associations play a significant role. Buyers should understand monthly dues, reserve levels, special assessments, and rules regarding rentals, renovations, and pets.

HOA health can affect financing approval, resale value, and quality of life. Reviewing governing documents before submitting an offer is essential.

Understanding how many offers are expected—or already submitted—helps shape strategy. In multiple-offer situations, price is only one factor. Terms such as deposit size, contingency timelines, and closing flexibility can be just as influential.

We design offers that stand out while protecting our clients’ interests, using data and experience rather than guesswork.

Contingencies protect buyers, but they also affect offer strength. Asking which contingencies are appropriate—and how long they should be—requires careful evaluation of property condition, competition, and risk tolerance.

Balancing protection with competitiveness is one of the most important decisions in the offer process.

Beyond today’s purchase, buyers should consider resale potential. Location, school districts, neighborhood trends, and future development all influence appreciation.

A home should support both current lifestyle and future flexibility. Asking this question ensures decisions are made with a long-term perspective.

Not necessarily. In competitive markets, offering below asking can eliminate your chances. Strategy should be based on market data, not assumptions.

In California, inspections typically occur after acceptance, but reviewing disclosures and reports beforehand is critical.

This depends on market conditions and price point. Strong deposits can strengthen offers but should remain financially comfortable.

Yes, depending on findings and contract terms. Inspection results often reopen negotiations.

Waiving contingencies increases risk and should only be done with expert guidance and full understanding of potential consequences.

Submitting an offer should never feel rushed or uncertain. With the right questions—and the right guidance—you can move forward with clarity and confidence. At The Corio Group, Walnut Creek real estate experts, we help buyers craft smart, competitive offers tailored to East Bay market conditions.

Visit https://thecoriogroup.com/ to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward owning the right home.