4 Steps to Follow When Presenting an Offer in Today’s Market!
You’ve been searching for that perfect house to call your ‘home,’ and you’ve finally found it!
The price is right, and in such a competitive market, you want to make sure that you make the best offer so you can guarantee that your dream of making this house yours comes true! Below are 4 steps provided by Freddie Mac to help buyers make strong offers, along with some additional information for your consideration:
1. Determine Your Price
“You’ve found the perfect home, you’re ready to buy so 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 or the condition of the house and what you can afford), your agent will help you to determine the offer that you are going to present. Getting pre-approved will not only show home-sellers that you are serious about buying, but it will also allow you to make your offer with confidence because you’ll know that you have already been approved for a mortgage.
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 about ways you can make your offer stand out in a competitive housing market! A licensed real estate agent who is active in the neighborhoods you are considering will be instrumental in helping you submit a solid offer.
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 Realtor will submit a counteroffer to your Realtor, detailing their desired changes, at that 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 problems or issues, you can discuss any repairs that may need to be made with the seller or even cancel the contract altogether.
4. Act Fast
The inventory of homes listed for sale has remained well buyer demand which continues to outpace the supply of homes for sale, causing buyers to compete with each other for their dream homes. Make sure that as soon as you decide that you want to make an offer, you work with your agent to present it as quickly as possible.
Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, having a local professional on your side who is an expert in his or her market is your best bet in making sure the process goes smoothly. Happy house hunting!
Visit us at hfamiami.com/homebuyers to learn about our first-time home buyers mortgage and down payment assistance program.
Note, information in this blog is compliments Keeping Current Matters.
