Once you find the perfect house to call your new home, making an offer can be an intimidating part of the buying process. In such a competitive market, you’ll want to make sure you make all the right moves so you can ultimately land your dream home.
Below are four helpful tips provided by Freddie Mac so you can feel more confident about making a solid offer on your next home:
1. Determine Your Price
“You’ve found the perfect home and you’re ready to buy. Now what? Your real estate agent will be by your side, helping you determine an offer price that is fair.”
Based on your agent’s experience and key considerations (like similar homes recently sold in the same neighborhood, the condition of the property, and what you can afford), your agent will help you determine an offer to present.
If you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage in advance, you’ll be that much more prepared for this step. Pre-approval will show home sellers you’re serious about buying and will allow you to make your offer with confidence as it relates to your budget, savings, expenses, and more.
2. Submit an Offer
“Once you’ve determined your price, your agent will draw up an offer, or purchase agreement, to submit to the seller’s real estate agent. This offer will include the purchase price and terms and conditions of the purchase.”
Talk with your agent to find out ways to make your offer stand out in this competitive market.
3. Negotiate the Offer
“Oftentimes, the seller will counter the offer, typically asking for a higher purchase price or to adjust the closing date. In these cases, the seller’s agent will submit a counteroffer to your agent, detailing their desired changes, at this time, you can either accept the offer or decide if you want to counter.
Each time changes are made through a counteroffer, you or the seller have the option to accept, reject or counter it again. The contract is considered final when both parties sign the written offer.”
If your offer is approved, Freddie Mac urges you to “always get an independent home inspection, so you know the true condition of the home.” If the inspector uncovers undisclosed problems or issues, you can discuss any repairs that may need to be made with the seller.
4. Act Fast
The inventory of homes listed for sale today remains well below the 6-month supply that constitutes a ‘normal’ market, especially at the entry-level. Buyer demand has continued to outpace the supply of homes for sale, causing buyers to compete for their dream homes.
Make sure as soon as you decide you want to make an offer that you work with your agent to present it as quickly as possible
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Bottom Line
Whether buying your first home or your fifth, let’s talk about your needs and what you’re looking for to make sure the process goes smoothly.
