Thinking of Making an Offer? 4 Tips for Success

So you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call a ‘home,’ and you finally found one! The price is right, and in such a competitive market that you want to make sure you make a good offer so that you can guarantee your dream of making this house yours comes true!

Freddie Mac covered “4 Tips for Making an Offer” in their latest Executive Perspective. Here are the 4 Tips they covered along with some additional information for your consideration:

1. Understand How Much You Can Afford

“While it’s not nearly as fun as house hunting, fully understanding your finances is critical in making an offer.”

This ‘tip’ or ‘step’ really should take place before you start your home search process.

As we’ve mentioned before, getting pre-approved is one of many steps that will show home sellers that you are serious about buying, and will allow you to make your offer with the confidence of knowing that you have already been approved for a mortgage for that amount. You will also need to know if you are prepared to make any repairs that may need to be made to the house (ex: new roof, new furnace).

2. Act Fast

“Even though there are fewer investors, the inventory of homes for sale is also low and competition for housing continues to heat up in many parts of the country.”

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report, the inventory of homes for sale is currently at a 3.6-month supply; This is well below the 6-month supply that is needed for a ‘normal’ market. Buyer demand has continued 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 soon as possible.

3. Make a Solid Offer

Freddie Mac offers this advice to help make your offer the strongest it can be:

“Your strongest offer will be comparable with other sales and listings in the neighborhood. A licensed real estate agent active in the neighborhoods you are considering will be instrumental in helping you put in a solid offer based on their experience and other key considerations such as recent sales of similar homes, the condition of the house and what you can afford.”

Consider ways of making your offer stand out! Many buyers write a personal letter to the seller letting them know how much they would love to be the new homeowners. Your agent will be able to help you figure out if there are any other ways your offer could stand out above the rest.

4. Be Prepared to Negotiate

“It’s likely that you’ll get at least one counteroffer from the sellers so be prepared. The two things most likely to be negotiated are the selling price and closing date. Given that, you’ll be glad you did your homework first to understand how much you can afford.

Your agent will also be key in the negotiation process, giving you guidance on the counteroffer and making sure that the agreed-to contract terms are met.”

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 inspection uncovers undisclosed problems or issues, you can discuss any repairs that may need to be made, with the seller, or cancel the contract.

Bottom Line 

Whether buying your first home or your fifth, having a local professional on your side who is an expert in their market is your best bet to make sure the process goes smoothly. Give me a call and we’ll make it happen – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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1384 N Alexis Drive Gilbert, AZ 85234

$625,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,108 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787092

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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$625,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,684 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing Moon Valley location! Well-cared for 3 Bedroom/3 Bath tucked in a cul-de-sac. Huge bonus room could be craft room, storage, home business or workshop! Enter into formal living room with double-sided fireplace. Family room leading to updated kitchen. Formal dining room. Primary bedroom with French doors. 2 spacious secondary bedrooms, one with office built-ins. E-facing patio with view fencing. Beautiful HOA-maintained grounds with community pools. Solar Lease has been PAID forward! No neighbors behind! Walking distance to Moon Valley Park, convenient to shopping, freeways, schools and more!

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$625,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,954 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776384

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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$625,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,007 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760727

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning 4 bedroom home with a den & a loft is nestled in the scenic beauty of San Tan Valley. This well maintained property offers breathtaking mountain views from both the front & backyard, adding to its serene atmosphere. The open floor plan with 9' ceilings allow for comfortable living, whether you're hosting friends or spending time with family. The kitchen is beautiful & features an island, granite countertops, pull outs & a ton of storage. Upstairs you'll find all 4 bedrooms, the loft, 3 full bathrooms & the laundry room. The owner's suite has gorgeous views of the backyard & mountains as well as a separate shower & tub, dual vanities & a large walk in closet. When you step outside into the backyard, you'll discover a deep pool perfect for cooling off in the Arizona heat. Enjoy movie nights under the stars in the pebble tech pool with a built in pull down projector screen. The pool also features a Baja step, a water feature, colorful LED lighting & it's extra deep. The covered patio & pergola is the ideal space for entertaining & outdoor dining. You'll love the beautiful backyard landscaping which includes a tangelo tree. Both the front & back have a yard watering system that can be controlled from your phone & there's also solar lighting. The backyard is absolutely spectacular! Pride of ownership is evident from the moment you walk in the front door. Within the past year a new AC unit, water softener & RO system were all installed. All appliances are also included with the sale. Located in a quiet & friendly neighborhood, this home is in the popular 85144 zip code on the Queen Creek/San Tan Valley border & it's just 15 minutes from Queen Creek Marketplace. The community of San Tan Heights features a ton of amenities such as a community center with a heated pool with lap lanes, a fitness center, a play area as well as several parks & playgrounds, & multiple volleyball & basketball courts. San Tan Heights is close proximity to San Tan Mountain Preserve for hiking & backpacking & minutes away from Golf Club at Johnson Ranch. You'll have easy access to shopping, dining, & entertainment while enjoying the tranquility of this lovely community. This home is the perfect blend of convenience, space, & charm & it's ready for you to call home!

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925 W Heatherbrae Drive Phoenix, AZ 85013

$625,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,284 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6779789

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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30124 W Mckinley Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

New

$625,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,977 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788382

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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22769 E Orion Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$625,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,635 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6727430

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wait for the Builder? No need with this upgraded ready to go beauty! 4 bedroom 3 bath home with tandem 3 car garage, finished backyard with artificial turf and great landscape. Home is highly upgraded and move in ready now! 12x8 sliding glass door that leads out to the extended covered patio. Pavers at drive, walk and entry, garage service door and an 8' garage door. Stainless steel gas appliance package with a 30'' cooktop/canopy hood. Tahoe Cherry slate cabinets through out with 42'' upper kitchen cabinets with 4-1/4'' crown. AZT Della Terra Quartz ''Linen-Off white'' quartz countertops. Upgrade floor includes Aura Cream 20x20 tile and Neutral color carpet. White Matte 4x12 ceramic tile at the shower/tub surrounds in owner's bath. Water softener and gas stub finish off the perfect home.

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3535 E Covina Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$625,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,584 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769474

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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2920 S 96th Street Mesa, AZ 85212

$625,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,334 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6780421

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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4046 E Del Rio Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$625,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,268 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766936

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning single-level home built by Shea Homes, featuring a desirable split floor plan with 4 spacious bedrooms and a versatile bonus room perfect for a home office, workout space, or even a mother-in-law suite. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting custom cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and top-of-the-line appliances. With tile flooring throughout, a recently replaced roof, AC and a brand-new water heater, this home is move-in ready.. Step outside to your serene, private backyard complete with flagstone walkways, and enjoy the convenience of an RV gate. Located near the 202 freeway and close to local favorites like Joe's Farm Grill, you'll never be far from great dining and shopping. This home offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience!

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9618 E Monterey Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$625,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,389 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787044

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gorgeous two story home with 4 beds & 2.5 baths offers mature landscaping and 3 car garage. Inside a bright foyer welcomes you upon entry; formal living room, dining, and large family room are some attributes that can't be left unsaid. Lovely kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, large 42' oak cabinets, solid surface counters, island, breakfast bar, pantry, and breakfast room. Office/Den space & powder room on 1st level. Upstairs you will find a loft & a large bonus room ideal for an entertainment area. Master suite has vaulted ceiling that add to the spacious feel, full bath with dual vanity, separate tub/shower, and walk-in closet. Stunning backyard boasts covered patio and fabulous pool.

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2132 Quail Court Page, AZ 86040

$625,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

2,358 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699099

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This charming Santa Fe-style abode boasts 4 beds and 4 baths, perfect for your family's comfort. With a spacious two-story layout, every corner exudes warmth and character. Hard flooring throughout ensures easy maintenance, while granite countertops elevate the kitchen and bathrooms with timeless elegance. Embrace the Southwest vibes and make cherished memories in this inviting sanctuary.

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