asking seller about their mortgage

[Alicia Hensley]

I feel kind of stupid asking people flat out what their mortgage is, is there a tactful way to ask? 

[Jim Viens]

I would also suggest just asking it flat-out like it's no big deal. Don't hesitate or him-haw around about it. Just ask in the same tone and pace as every other question (like "How long have you owned the property?") and they're likely to just blurt out the answer without even thinking about it or they'll at least not think it odd to give you the information. Then, as Josh said, if they question why you need to know tell them you have to have all the information to put together the best offer for them.