Seller Says Make Me an Offer? What to Ask Next
Oct 28, 2026
By Anthony Price
The seller says, “Make me an offer.” But you still do not know whether the house needs paint or a new roof.
You do not have to guess. First, find out what you would be buying. Then explain when you can come back with a number.
Start with what the seller wants
Confirm the address and ask whether you are speaking with the owner. Do not make them repeat details they already gave you.
Then ask what matters most about the sale. Is it the price? A quick closing? Extra time to move? Or are they just looking at their options?
Listen to the answer. You do not need their whole life story. You need enough information to understand what a sale would need to do for them.
If they are going through a hard time, do not use that to pressure them.
Find out what needs work
“Needs some work” is not a repair estimate. It could mean old carpet. It could mean a leaking roof and a broken air conditioner.
Ask about the main parts of the house:
- Roof and any leaks.
- Heating and air conditioning.
- Plumbing and electrical problems.
- Foundation problems.
- Kitchen and bathrooms.
Ask what has been replaced and roughly when. If the seller says the roof is “newer,” ask how old it is and whether it leaks.
If rooms were added, check their size and permits before counting them in your value estimate.
Write down what the seller tells you. Keep it separate from what you have checked yourself. You may still need photos, a visit, an inspection or a contractor’s estimate.
Ask when they want to sell—and move
Closing day and move-out day are not always the same day.
Ask when they would like to close. Then ask who lives there and when the buyer could take over the house.
If tenants live there, find out about the leases. Do not assume they will leave just because the house sells.
Do not promise a closing date before you know you can meet it. The money, paperwork and property checks all need to be ready.
A note like “Wants to close next month but needs more time to move” is more useful than “Motivated seller.”
Talk about price without arguing
Ask whether the seller has a price in mind. If they do, ask how they came up with it.
Maybe they saw a nearby sale. Maybe they used an online estimate. Maybe it is simply what they want. Their answer helps you understand the number. It does not prove the house is worth that amount.
If they will not name a price, move on. You can still look at the house, estimate repairs and check what similar homes have sold for.
If you give a rough price range, say what you still need to check. Do not throw out a high number just to keep them talking.
Agree on one clear next step
Here is a made-up example. A seller wants to sell in about six weeks. They say the house needs only small repairs. Then you learn the air conditioner does not work. You have not seen the house yet.
You are not ready to call the repair budget finished. Get permission to visit, check the problem and get the cost information you need.
Before you end the call, agree on:
- What you will check next.
- What photos or access you need.
- When you will talk again.
- What you have not agreed on yet.
Keep a list of missing answers. “Repair cost unknown” does not mean repairs cost zero.
Know when to stop
If the seller does not want to answer questions or keep talking, respect that. Explain what you would need to make an offer and leave the choice with them.
Follow the rules for calls, texts and recording conversations. One conversation is not permission for unlimited follow-up. Honor requests to stop.
A resource for seller calls
The Cold Calling Scripts help you ask questions and follow up. They come in PDF and editable Word files.
Also included with Acquisitions Scripts and the Scripts Bundle.
Common question
Can I make an offer if the seller will not give me a price?
Yes. Work out your own number using the house’s condition, repair costs and recent sales of similar homes. If you are missing important facts, check them before treating your number as a firm offer.