5 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Sign or Offer

Finding a property you love is an exhilarating experience. 

In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and feel pressured to make a quick decision. However, this is precisely when a calm, informed approach is most valuable.

As your conveyancer, our role at Skilled Conveyancing begins the moment you are serious about a property. 

Before you sign a Contract of Sale or make a formal offer, arming yourself with the right information is crucial.     

Here are five essential questions to ask the real estate agent that will provide critical clarity and protect your interests.

1. “What is included in the sale that isn’t fixed to the property?”

This question goes beyond the standard fixtures. 

The contract may be vague on items like freestanding ovens, dishwashers, window furnishings (like custom blinds), or even premium light fixtures. 

A vendor might plan to take the designer chandelier you adored during the inspection. 

Skilled Conveyancing will provide you with our “Goods Sold with the Property Checklist” which not only includes a detailed list of the usual and expected Fixtures & Fittings for you to consider, but more importantly explains the difference between them.

2. “Why is the vendor selling?”

While the agent may not always disclose the full story, the answer can offer valuable strategic insight. 

A vendor needing a quick sale due to financial needs, personal circumstances like a re-location or divorce, or the desire to purchase another property before it is sold, might be more open to a lower offer or a faster settlement. 

Conversely, a vendor who is just “testing the market” may be less flexible on price. 

The agent’s response – or even their hesitation – can give you a better understanding of the negotiation landscape.

3. “Have there been any recent offers, and what is the vendor’s true expectation?”

Asking about other offers helps you gauge the property’s market interest. 

More importantly, move beyond the listed price. 

Ask the agent directly: “To secure this property today, what price does the vendor need to see?” or 

“At what price would the vendor be willing to remove the property from the market?” 

This cuts through the marketing and helps you understand the vendor’s actual bottom line, ensuring your offer is competitive and serious.

4. “What specific issues were identified in the vendor’s pre-sale due diligence?”

An ethical agent will be transparent about known issues. 

This question prompts them to disclose any material facts that could affect the property’s value or your enjoyment of it. 

For instance, have there been known plumbing issues, illegal structures, or recent disputes with neighbours? 

The answer to this question can alert you to potential red flags that Skilled Conveyancing and building inspector will pay close attention to.   

5. “What is the vendor’s ideal settlement timeline, and are they flexible?”

Understanding the vendor’s timeline is crucial for planning your own move. 

If they need a 90-day settlement but you need 60, this is a key point for negotiation before you submit your offer. 

It also impacts your finance and other logistics. 

A vendor who is flexible on timing might be more open to other terms, while a rigid timeline helps you assess if you can meet it.

Asking these questions transforms you from a passive buyer into an informed, strategic purchaser. The answers you receive provide a clearer picture of the property and the transaction, allowing you to make a confident decision.

Before you make that exciting next step, make the smart first call. 

Contact Skilled Conveyancing for expert advice on 03 9729 3512 or email us. 

We’ll help you understand the legal implications of your offer and ensure your contract is structured to protect your investment, not just secure a property.