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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7300 E Earll Drive Unit 1012 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$620,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,625 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769038

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Look no further! This beautiful 2-bedroom unit is ready for you to move in and enjoy! Check out the harmonious open floor plan, enhanced with hardwood flooring, large windows, and a perfectly matched neutral palette throughout. Spotless kitchen boasts plenty of white cabinetry, recessed lighting, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a prep island with a breakfast bar, and sleek quartz counters. Rest and rejuvenation await in the romantic primary bedroom, complete with direct outdoor access, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Don't miss the stacked washer & dryer! Unwind under the covered patio while sipping your favorite beverage. PLUS! Wonderful community amenities include clubhouse, sparkling pool, spa, fitness center, and many more. Indulge in a luxurious lifestyle Scottsdale has to offer! Walking distance to a highly desired Old Town Scottsdale with fine dining and shopping. This unit is perfect for minimal maintenance and peace of mind! Furniture can be available for purchase for fully turn key ready. This condo was previously a model unit from builder, featuring the best upgrades offered. You'll feel as if you are on vacation everyday while living here!

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1540 W Lawrence Lane Phoenix, AZ 85021

$620,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,895 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769284

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This lovely 4 bed, 2 bath well-loved home in the highly sought after Royal Palm neighborhood is ready for you to make it your own. Open kitchen overlooks lush green backyard. Bonus room with separate exterior access could be used as an Office/Den/Family Room. Large Primary bedroom with direct access to backyard & patio. Oversized lot with long patio, wrap around yard, play house & a fenced garden area too. Plenty of room to add on extra livable space or put in a pool. 2 car garage with built in cabinets and a large attached shop/storage room is perfect for all of your projects. With some fresh paint and new flooring, this home will shine! This family friendly neighborhood is close to Royal Palm Park, restaurants, grocery stores & bike paths. It is in district for Sunnyslope High School. This home is being sold AS IS.

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6795 W Miner Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$620,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,799 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768885

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

THIS IS THE ONE you've been looking for! Located on an interior corner lot in the highly sought after tucked away Sonoran Mountain Ranch community, this meticulously maintained home offers offset tile & luxury vinyl flooring throughout the first floor while plush carpeting graces its 2nd level. Upon entering & overlooking your covered front porch, you will find the formal living/dining/flex room with decorative window casings. Be prepared to be wowed by the large stunning kitchen complete with Black Galaxy Granite Counters, staggered Cherry Cabinets adorned with Crown Molding & ample storage, SS Appliances including a double oven, large island with even more storage, R/O, recessed lighting & pantry too. There is a nicely sized eat-in kitchen area that is open to your roomy family room complete with a built-in large media niche , surround sound speakers & decorative window casings. Beyond the family area is a fantastic flex room with glass French Doors, perfect for that home office, playroom, hobby room or guest quarters/5th BR. Right next to it is a full bath too, great for guests! As you make your way up to the 2nd level you will notice the built-in work desk at the foyer, 4 generously sized bedrooms, laundry room complete w/cabinets, W/D to stay & 2nd bath. The 2nd bath has a dual sink vanity with plenty of storage as well. The owner's suite is large & tucked away from the other bedrooms. Its private en-suite is perfectly placed at the owner's suite & hosts 2 separate vanities each with its own sink & storage areas, separate tub/shower, private water closet and HUGE closet! BR 2 has a custom white shiplap wall & decorative window casing & BR 4 boasts a walk-in closet & decorative wood accent wall. Each bedroom has amazing mountain views too! Time to head out to your backyard oasis! Because your new home is located on an oversized pie-shaped elbow lot there is plenty of room for everyone! Its large, covered patio leads you to an extended paver patio sitting area, great for dining al fresco! On the east side of the home there is a beautiful refreshing fenced play pool with a new Wi-Fi pool pump while the west side of the home has lush grass & mature trees. Don't forget to check out the large, 3 car tandem garage which has 2 access doors leading you into the home complete with built-in cabinets, workbench & a service door to the yard. New (23') AC system with Digital thermostats & mobile phone app capability too! With perfect curb appeal an Elegant Stone Elevation, beautiful mountain views & located on a private interior lot, this home has it all! Call for your private showing today!

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7837 N 6th Street Phoenix, AZ 85020

$620,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,839 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6730822

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bath gem in north central Phoenix! With its spacious layout, convenient location, and abundant outdoor space, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Three generously sized bedrooms provide ample space for relaxation and rest. Whether you're looking for a cozy retreat or a home office, these rooms offer versatility and comfort. Two well-appointed bathrooms ensure convenience for your daily routines. The bright and airy eat-in kitchen is perfect for casual meals. Imagine sipping your morning coffee by the window overlooking the lush backyard and diving pool. For special occasions or intimate gatherings, the formal dining room awaits. Relax in the formal living room or head to the family /entertainment room The spacious family room provides a cozy spot for movie nights or simply unwinding after a long day. Natural light floods the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Centrally located, this home offers easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. You'll love being part of this vibrant community. The laundry room doubles as a workshop, providing space for DIY projects, crafts, or storage. Lace-up your sneakers and explore the nearby walking and biking trails. Plus, the Piestewa Freeway is just minutes away, making your commute a breeze. Conveniently park your vehicles or use the garage for additional storage. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to own a piece of Phoenix paradise. Make this house your home!

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7608 N 17th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021

$620,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,612 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6760382

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This fully remodeled home rivals any HGTV makeover. The beautiful and functional kitchen / greatroom has a 16 foot wide wall of sliding glass doors that open to the large covered patio, backyard, and the gorgeous pool. Truly connecting indoor and outdoor living. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances and a beautiful waterfall edge island. The home also has a walk-in pantry and a generous laundry room. This bright, happy home brings functional style to a great location.

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2509 E Darrel Road Phoenix, AZ 85042

$620,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,835 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765409

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller will consider contributing to buyer's loan costs and/or interest rate buy down with the right offer! Gorgeous golf course lot makes a perfectly serene backyard escape to enjoy! Spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 3-car garage home located in the coveted gated community of Fairways at the Legacy. The master bedroom is conveniently located downstairs, offering privacy and ease of access. Nestled on the golf course, this home offers course views and wonderful views of South Mountain with no rear neighbors! The spacious floor plan includes an inviting living area, sky-high ceilings, an open kitchen, and a large entertainment bonus room perfect for hosting family and friends.

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6346 N 14th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

$620,000

2 Beds

3 Baths

2,283 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703109

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This stunning Uptown house with 2 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and office space, and separate den offering ample space for comfortable living. With spacious bedrooms, walk in closet, an open-concept kitchen, separate laundry room, and a private pool, luxury meets functionality here. This house is situated in gated area with a private street. Located in the greatly desired Madison School District only minutes away from Biltmore, PHX airport, downtown Phoenix, and Scottsdale. Enjoy the convenience of a 2-car garage. HOA covers: COX cable with all the movie channels ($130 value), landscaping and maintenance in common areas, as well as landscaping of grass along the front of the house. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this your new home.

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18182 W Young Street Surprise, AZ 85388

$620,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,636 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739794

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOTIVATED SELLERS!! Home Sweet Home! This exquisite 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom residence features a 2-car garage, elegant stone accents, and a welcoming front patio. Inside, the living/dining room boasts a cool palette, plantation shutters, and attractive wood-look flooring. The great room features double French doors that open to the backyard for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The impeccable kitchen comes with granite counters, wood cabinetry with crown moulding, recessed lighting, SS appliances, a pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. The versatile bonus room is perfect an office or study. The cozy loft upstairs provides a peaceful retreat. Discover a sizeable main bedroom offering plush carpeting, a quaint sitting nook, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Outside, the backyard oasis showcases a covered patio, stylish pavers, a ramada, a firepit for evenings under the stars, and a sparkling pool. Make this gem yours!

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5419 E Grove Avenue Mesa, AZ 85206

$620,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,681 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771187

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Awesome home for sale in Stonegate Estates! This corner-lot home greets you charming with beautiful curb appeal from the moment you drive up. The interior is airy and bright, featuring vaulted ceilings and a great floorplan that's perfect for entertaining! The kitchen is spacious, with plenty of cabinetry for storage, kitchen island, and lots of additional counter space. It opens up to the dining area and large family room, plus an additional dining room or den! The master bedroom is massive, capable of fitting even larger furniture, and has a bay window with automatic privacy blinds. The master bathroom has a separate garden tub and walk-in shower, with a massive walk-in closet. All secondary bedrooms are spacious, with access to a secondary bathroom and powder room. The backyard has a covered patio that can be completely enclosed with automatic patio cover, a paver extended patio, grass, and view fencing to the park behind, meaning no rear neighbors! If that's not all, there's interior laundry with plenty of space for folding table or additional cabinetry, additional cabinets in the garage, and located in a well-maintained neighborhood! Minutes to the freeway without freeway noise, and near Dana Park for all the shopping, dining, and entertainment needs! Welcome home

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1432 E Culver Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

Open House

$620,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,680 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787058

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a quality renovation with location and charm? This home has a downtown adjacent neighborhood in Greater Coronado with easy freeway access, walking distance to Banner University Medical Center all in an established, charming historic neighborhood (without the designation) but completely renovated with everything new including a primary suite addition (fully permited) that could easily be utilized as a mother-in-law suite or an Airbnb to help supplement a mortgage! This gorgeous renovation has an open living/dining great room with a spacious eat in kitchen island, gas range, farm sink, under the counter built in microwave, walk-in pantry, tile backsplash, mud room and so much more like a tankless on-demand gas hot water heater, new HVAC/roof/electric/plumbing with luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and tiled bathrooms.

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16403 W Baden Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

Open House

$620,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

4,166 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760403

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This stunning 2-story residence, located in the desirable Canyon Trails community, offers 5 spacious bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, and a bright, open floor plan. 1 bedroom and full bath on first floor. The grand entry boasts vaulted ceilings and a versatile den, while the inviting family room features a cozy fireplace — perfect for relaxing evenings. The open-concept kitchen is a chef's delight, showcasing granite countertops, a breakfast bar, new stainless steel appliances, and dual wall ovens. The expansive master suite is a true retreat, complete with an en-suite bathroom featuring a glass block shower, separate double vanities, and a large walk-in closet. Upstairs, enjoy additional living space in the loft/bonus room. Step outside to a backyard oasis. The covered patio leads to a sparkling pool and an outdoor kitchen, creating the perfect setting for gatherings. There's even an RV gate. Plus, save on energy bills with the solar panels! This home is a must-see to fully appreciate all its features and charm.

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4020 N Scottsdale Road Unit 2010 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$619,999

1 Bed

1 Bath

937 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679065

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Boutique building right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. This contemporary loft style studio has stainless steel appliances, concrete countertops, floor to ceiling windows, tastefully updated bathroom and with views of Camelback mountain from the patio. The location of this 21 unit building offers endless options of fine dinning, shopping and recreational activities. Its not often units come for sale here at 4020 Lofts, so act now!

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