Short answerA Before You Offer review is a free look at a listing before you write an offer. You send the listing. I review the photos, the seller's disclosure if available, and recent comparable sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges. It is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection.
What you get
- A short list of likely condition issues based on the photos, the age of the house, and the disclosure.
- Planning cost ranges for the items that matter most, so your offer reflects the house you are actually buying.
- A read on recent comparable sales nearby.
- Which specialist inspections are worth paying for on this particular house.
What it is not
It is not a home inspection and does not replace one. Photos hide things. Always get a professional inspection during your inspection period. See what the inspection may find.
Who it is for
Buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent. If we decide to work together, we sign a written buyer agreement before touring, and I explain exactly what it says. See why buyers sign an agreement before touring.
I also own Wardmark Property Operations, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Before You Offer review take?
Usually a day or two after you send the listing, depending on how much information the listing has.
Can you review a house that is for sale by owner?
Yes. Send what the seller has shared, such as photos, the disclosure form, and any past inspection.
Keep reading
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.