Identify who is selling
Ask whether the owner is offering a traditional sale, a lender must approve a short sale, or a lender already owns the property. That distinction changes whom to ask about access, offer instructions and timing.
Before making an offer, get the written sale instructions, ask which inspections can be arranged and discuss the property’s condition with your lender. For a property with substantial repairs, use our fixer-upper checklist to organize contractor questions. For a specific address, contact San Diego House Hunting.