A strong offer starts
with the right questions.

Before writing the offer

Confirm the complete payment range with a licensed lender, including estimates for property taxes, special assessments, HOA dues, insurance, and mortgage insurance when applicable. Ask whether the property type or HOA could require additional loan review.

Read the available listing information and disclosures, but keep a list of facts that still need independent confirmation.

Physical condition

• General home inspection
• Roof, drainage, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structure as appropriate
• Termite or wood-destroying organism review when relevant
• Specialist follow-up for any material concern
• Estimates for near-term repairs

The appropriate inspections depend on the property. An inspector does not replace a licensed specialist when a system needs deeper evaluation.

HOA and shared obligations

Review governing documents, budgets, reserve information, insurance, meeting minutes, rules, litigation, owner occupancy information when relevant to financing, and current or proposed assessments. Confirm whether more than one association applies.

Ask what the owner maintains and what the association maintains. A monthly fee cannot be evaluated without understanding what it covers.

Taxes and special assessments

Use the current Orange County property-tax record and Tax Map as starting points. A buyer’s future bill may differ from the seller’s current bill because of reassessment, supplemental taxes, exemptions, or other changes.

For advice on the tax effect of a purchase, ownership structure, or later transfer, consult a qualified tax professional.

Insurance and title

Request address-specific insurance information early enough to compare coverage and cost. Review title information for liens, easements, restrictions, and exceptions. Ask the appropriate professional about anything that is unclear.

Natural-hazard and statutory disclosures should be read as part of the complete package, not as a last-minute signature task.

Permits, plans, and surroundings

Ask about additions, conversions, solar, structural work, and permits. Public records have limits, so combine them with inspections and seller disclosures.

If future roads, construction, land use, or a view matters to the decision, review current official planning sources. Separate what exists today from what is proposed or approved.

Track the investigation

Use one checklist with the document, responsible professional, deadline, answer, and follow-up. This makes it easier to see unresolved items before a contingency decision or closing.

No checklist can cover every property. The goal is a disciplined process that adapts to the home rather than a promise that risk can be eliminated.