Are you thinking about buying a home soon? Today’s market is competitive in many areas because the number of homes for sale is still low – which is leading to multiple-offer scenarios. And we move into the peak homebuying season this spring, multiple-offer situations are only expected to be more frequent. With so many moving parts to consider, remember these four tips to make your best offer.
Partner with a Real Estate Agent
The best way to navigate the real estate market is to partner with an experienced agent. As the leading moving company PODS notes:
“Making an offer on a home without an agent is certainly possible, but having a pro by your side gives you a massive advantage in figuring out what to offer on a house.”
Agents are local market experts. They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for in an offer. That advice can be game changing when you’re deciding what offer to bring to the table. And with years of experience, they can ensure the entire process runs smoothly, keeping you updated every step of the way.
Understand Your Budget
When entering a situation with multiple offers, knowing your budget is critical. Knowing your budget allows you to make strong offers and provides a competitive edge over other buyers. Doing so helps you be more financially confident when submitting an offer. In addition, having exact figures shows sellers you’re serious.
The best way to understand your budget is to work with a lender so you can get pre-approved for a home loan.
Make a Strong but Fair Offer
It’s only natural to want the best deal you can get on a home, especially when finances are tight. However, submitting an offer that’s too low has some risks. You don’t want to make an offer that will be tossed out as soon as it’s received. As Realtor.com explains:
“. . . an offer price that’s significantly lower than the listing price, is often rejected by sellers who feel insulted . . . Most listing agents try to get their sellers to at least enter negotiations with buyers, to counteroffer with a number a little closer to the list price. However, if a seller is offended by a buyer or isn’t taking the buyer seriously, there’s not much you, or the real estate agent, can do.”
The expertise your agent brings to this part of the process will help you stay competitive and find a price that’s fair to you and the seller.
Trust Your Agent During Negotiations
After you submit your offer, the seller may decide to counter it. When negotiating, it’s smart to understand what matters to the seller. Once you do, being as flexible as you can on things like moving dates or the condition of the house can make your offer more attractive. Your real estate agent is your partner in navigating these details. Trust them to lead you through negotiations and help you figure out the best plan.
Bottom line:
Making a strong offer on a dream home requires a clear budget and an understanding of the markets: all services an experienced agent can offer.
