Buying with Mason

I usually start with, “What’s making you think about moving, and what do you wish were different about where you live now?” That tells me more than a bedroom count.

From there, we talk about their daily routine, preferred areas, timing, and what they’re comfortable spending. I ask what they absolutely need, where they’re flexible, and what would make a home an immediate no. If they’ve already been looking, I want to know what they liked and why they passed on certain homes.

We also discuss financing, whether they need to sell first, and any concerns about the process. I’m trying to understand what would make the move worthwhile for them. By the end, we should have a clear direction and a practical next step.

I help buyers think beyond the address and picture their regular Tuesday: the drive to work, running errands, getting dinner, and doing the things they enjoy. We talk about whether they want convenience, more land, an established neighborhood, or a home with less upkeep, then narrow the search around those priorities.

I also encourage buyers to drive their actual commute and spend time around a neighborhood before committing. The house may check every box, but the location needs to work for the way they live.

Before we talk about an offer, I ask buyers, “What would make this home a good buy for you?” That tells me what we’re working toward: a comfortable monthly payment, room in the budget for improvements, or a home that checks boxes they haven’t found elsewhere.

Then I do the homework: recent comparable sales, the home’s condition, time on the market, price changes, and a conversation with the listing agent about the seller’s priorities. I bring that information back with a recommendation and explain what supports the number.

When you’re having to talk yourself into it. If there are major issues we can’t get resolved, the numbers stretch you too thin, or the house just doesn’t fit what you need, I’m going to be honest about it.

I’ll explain my concerns and your options, but the decision is yours. I want you to feel good about the house long after closing.

I start by finding out what would make the seller choose one offer over another. Sometimes it’s price; other times, it’s a closing date that fits their move or greater confidence that the buyer can follow through. I call the listing agent rather than assume we need to offer more.

Then I help my buyer build the strongest offer within limits we’ve already discussed. We look at comparable sales, confirm financing, and decide where we can be flexible. We talk through the money at risk with the due diligence fee and what an appraisal shortfall could mean for their cash at closing. Any additional commitment needs a clear limit.

I want my buyers to compete with a plan. If getting the house requires a price or risk they’re uncomfortable with, I’ll recommend we step back. An accepted offer should still feel like a good decision the next morning.

I start with one question: “Does this change what you’re buying, what it will cost you, or your comfort with the home?” That helps us focus on the findings that matter most.

I review the report with the buyer and get specialists involved when we need a clearer answer or repair estimate. Structural concerns, safety issues, active leaks, and major system problems deserve close attention. Cosmetic wear and routine maintenance may be reasonable to take on, depending on the home’s condition and the price we negotiated.

I ask for repairs when the work needs to be completed and verified before closing. A closing-cost credit can make sense when the buyer wants to choose their own contractor, subject to lender approval. A price reduction may fit when the condition affects what the buyer is willing to pay, but it doesn’t put repair money directly in their pocket.

My goal is a focused request backed by findings and estimates, with a clear understanding of what the buyer would be taking on.

“Should I buy now or wait?”
I’d start with what’s driving your move. If the home fits your needs and the numbers work comfortably, we have something to consider. If buying would leave you stretched, that’s a reason to pause.

“What do you think? Would you buy this house?”
I’ll tell you what gives me confidence and what gives me hesitation, then we’ll look at how those things affect you. If I see a reason to reconsider, you’ll hear it from me.

I’ve written more on the questions buyers ask me most.

Kevin and I share a library of guides. These go deeper on the parts people ask about most.