Duplex - questions for seller at closing

[Mark Hilgendorf]

Good evening. We are buying a duplex, and we are closing tomorrow. I have had several questions for the seller. She has not been cooperative. For instance, I do not know if one or both of the tenants have moved out. I will be paying the water bill and I do not know the 12-month history for water and sewer bills. The water company will not share it with me, and she has not replied to my requests. The city sewer billing history is being mailed to me by the city, but has not arrived yet. I do not know if the tenant(s) staying have given her deposits, and if she will forward them to us. This is our second property. The first one we purchased empty, and in hindsight, we should have bought this one empty as well. I feel like I am making a lot of rookie mistakes... but how do I get the answers I need? Should these have been asked before making an offer? An addendum to the offer to purchase? Answered before setting a closing date? Now my biggest question is, what do I need to ask from her at closing tomorrow, and what leverage do I have to get answers?