Must ask questions on a for sale by owner property

[Belliny Flores]

Good afternoon BP family!  I've run across a couple of properties that I'm going to be making phone calls on.  I was hoping some of you experts out there can help me come up with a list of questions that should be asked when inquiring about an owners property besides the obvious.  These properties are for sale by owner and I was going to be asking the basics like what kinds of repairs, and inquire about their situation and why they're selling and how soon etc.  But is there a question that is off the radar for a newbie like me that should definitely be asked?  Thanks in advanced for all your input.

[Fouad Hayek]

Hi Belliny,

FSBO properties are typically an AS-IS condition type of deal as I am sure you know. The biggest question is the one you mentioned.. the motive to sell obviously. These sellers are typically opposed to having a realtor on either side of the transaction, so I would recommend you do all your homework on the bakc end by looking the property up on the county website to search for liens (yes always do a lien search) when purchasing a property especially FSBO.

I would ask about the neighborhood, who lived here before and for how long. Any easements on the property? 

Main things mechanically and physically like roof age, furnace age and HWT age as well. I would also look under every sink and check for any leaks that you can see visually. 

Those are my two cents! I am sure there are much more but these are the main ones.

Best of Luck!!

Fuad