Making an Offer
You've found the home of your dreams; now it's time to prepare an offer. This is one of the most important times to seek the advice and counsel of a Realtor®.
Your Realtor will help you draft, submit and negotiate your offer. S/he will provide advice on where to start; what to be concerned with or ask for; deliver the offer; assist you in subsequent negotiations, presenting and responding to counter-offers; and making sure the buyer understands the contract and has taken the proper steps in making a deposit.
Tips for Making Your Offer Attractive to Sellers
The two best things you can do to increase your chances of getting the property you want is to bid competitively and minimize restrictions.
While it may be tempting to start low to try to get a deal, this is not always the best idea. Why? If your bid is too far below asking price, the seller is likely to quickly reject your offer and move on to the next buyer. A Realtor can advise you where to begin, particularly given that the market has recently returned to a more normal state. Conversely, you'll want to make sure that you don't overbid and pay too much.
Secondly, restrictions on your offer such as needing to sell your home first or delaying the closing date can make your offer unappealing to the seller. The key to getting the home you want for the price you want to pay is to partner with a Realtor. They are experts in real estate, skilled negotiators and can advise on bidding based on your financial position, market conditions and similarly priced homes that have recently sold.
