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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1170 N 87th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Open House

$619,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,592 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784005

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Exciting news for Scottsdale home buyers! A new property is hitting the market that combines modern comfort with incredible value. This charming home features a completely redone kitchen, spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, as well as a 2 car garage; making it a fantastic choice for families, professionals, or anyone looking to settle in this vibrant area. With its open layout, ample natural light, and tasteful finishes, this home offers a welcoming and versatile space for entertaining or relaxing. Not only does it have everything you need, but it's also priced competitively—making it a great opportunity to secure your place in one of Scottsdale's most desirable neighborhoods. Don't miss the chance to tour this stunning property!

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651 W Orchard Way Gilbert, AZ 85233

Open House

$619,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,836 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740366

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Sellers will offer incentive with the right offer! Perfect for the NEW YEAR ''2025'' This amazing home awaits you in the highly sought-after Neely Ranch community. Upstairs, newer carpet, four spacious bedrooms with an extra-large loft space. Updated primary bath with quartz double sinks and a tiled walk-in shower with privacy barn door. Lower level offers epoxy flooring and updated half bath, den is off the kitchen. Kitchen has updated quartz countertops, an island plus an extra-large walk-in pantry including laundry (Appliances included). Updated electrical, recessed LED lighting and dimmers throughout the entire smart-home. Salt Water pool, x-large backyard w/ privacy greenbelt behind home. Gilbert School District. Minutes away from Gilbert Town Square- Entertainment for everyone.

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317 W Ivanhoe Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

$618,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,042 SqFt

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MLS # 6777032

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Coming Soon! Prime Location in Gilbert! Discover this beautiful, single-story home on an expansive lot, just steps away from a massive park. This home offers three spacious bedrooms, a versatile den that could serve as a fourth bedroom, two bathrooms, and a roomy three-car garage. Inside, enjoy a formal living and dining area, along with an open-concept great room that flows into a beautiful kitchen, that boasts stylish white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, including stainless steel appliances and sparkling quartz countertops. The large island provides bar seating with views of the lush, grassy backyard. Outside, unwind under the covered patio, surrounded by mature trees and a vast backyard with endless possibilities for creating your ideal outdoor space. This home also features newer flooring and AC system for added comfort. Perfectly situated near Gilbert's best entertainment, shopping, dining, parks, and schools, don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

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1253 W Golden Ore Pass Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$618,253

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,760 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740168

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the exceptional difference in your home-buying experience! Welcome to Mariposa at Blossom Rock, where our single-story Lily design is under construction now. Imagine an open-concept floor plan featuring a warm and welcoming kitchen that flows into a bright, airy great room. This space opens up to your private, covered outdoor room - perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Convenience of the 3-car garage that leads directly into the drop zone, making organization a breeze. With 5 spacious bedrooms, 3 luxurious baths, a great room with a dining area, and a flexible office space, this home has everything! Plus, we're including $55,000 in stunning upgrades to make this home truly special, and we're offering special financing to help. Home completion is estimated in October 2024.

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1252 W J Waltz Way Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$618,007

4 Beds

4 Baths

2,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781072

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Experience the unique offerings of this home and buying journey. Welcome to Mariposa at Blossom Rock. The single-story Agave design, presents an open-concept floorplan featuring an inviting kitchen and a bright great room with a separate dining area that seamlessly connects to the private, covered outdoor room. The 2-car garage leads to a convenient drop zone, flex room/office, and more. $59,000 in upgrades are included. ***Special financing options are available.***Blossom Rock's amenities are designed to inspire outdoor living, including community parks, miles of trails, beautiful lakes, signature events, and more. Moreover, perfect blend of tranquility and adventure to enrich your everyday life.

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2326 W Gloria Lane Phoenix, AZ 85085

$618,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,154 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782146

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in the highly sought-after GATED Community of Sonoran Foothills - 24 North. This Beautiful Home sits upon a Premium Corner Lot. NO direct neighbors to the side or back! Cul de Sac with Mountain & Desert Wash Views. Low Maintenance Backyard with View Fence & Covered Patio. This Home boasts UPGRADES THROUGHOUT - Perfect for Entertaining! Stunning open floor plan with HIGH Ceilings. GOURMET Kitchen that features Stainless Steel Appliances, UPGRADED Cabinetry w/ Pull-Outs, GORGEOUS Granite Countertops & CUSTOM Backsplash. PREMIUM Engineered HARDWOOD Flooring throughout - NO CARPET. Upstairs has a Spacious En-Suite Master, 3 more Bedrooms, a Big LOFT, and Separate Laundry room with W/D INCLUDED. BRAND NEW Water Heater. Water Softener. Community pool/spa, fenced dog park, and BBQ Ramada PREMIUM Upgrades & Features: Shea Homes - The Polaris Model 4 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths The Light & Bright, OPEN FLOOR PLAN - perfect for entertaining or just relax & unwind North / South Facing Premium Engineered Hardwood Flooring - Throughout (no carpet) Shared Parking Groups For 3 Properties - other properties share with 6 groupings Cul De Sac Mountain Views Wash Adjacent View Fence Premium Hand Selected Upgrades - throughout Kitchen is RO-Ready Upstairs Laundry Room Washer & Dryer - included **Buyer to verify all information. Listing Agent is related to Seller.

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21654 N 106th Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

$618,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,074 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770888

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Motivated Seller will buy down the interest rate for the buyer with a good offer. .House vacant on lockbox. Beautiful 5 bedroom 3 bath, plus a loft/game room, front living/dining room combo, family room, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, oak 42 inch cabinets, 3 car garage with cabinets in both 2 car and single car garage, covered patio, ceiling fans throughout, separate tub and shower in master, great neighborhood, easy to show, move-in ready, all new carpet

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1240 E Kramer Circle Mesa, AZ 85203

$618,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,318 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766889

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spacious floor plan features a living room and dining room, along with a separate family room. The fabulous open kitchen includes an island and pantry, perfect for all your cooking needs. The large master bedroom boasts an expansive master bath with a separate shower, and there's also a dedicated laundry room. The extended cabinets in the kitchen provide ample storage space for your cookware and countertop appliances. The backyard is an entertainer's dream, complete with a Pebble Tec pool/spa, a water feature, a covered patio, and numerous upgrades. Experience resort-style living in this beautiful gated community!

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4300 W Prince Road Mcneal, AZ 85617

$617,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721687

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream country property, nestled on 75 acres with almost 360 mountain views. With 36 acres of grandfathered irrigation rights, it's just waiting for you to grow your own hay or run livestock. The property includes a large hay barn, equipment shed, and workshop, plus fenced pastures ready for horses. This fully functioning farm features a domestic well and irrigation well which supplies water to the house, lawn, orchard and fields. The stunning three-bedroom, two-bathroom home features open-plan living. Vaulted ceilings create a bright and airy atmosphere. A spacious kitchen is at the heart of the home. French doors open onto a BBQ and entertainment area where you can host family and friends. (NRCS subsidy for 25 acres of sprinkler irrigation and certain farm implements are also available.) This is more than just a home. It's a one-of-a-kind gem that provides an unparalleled lifestyle for you and your family. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of desert paradise. Owner is Listing Agent.

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947 W Saddle Run Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$616,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,468 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778925

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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19201 W Missouri Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$616,070

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,475 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741966

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

COMPLETED NEW HOME! This amazing 5 Bedroom, 4 bath home with a 3-car garage home is on a large lot with a large, covered patio and plenty room for a wonderful pool. It has a full bedroom & bath downstairs, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths & loft upstairs. Gourmet Kitchen has a large island with Quartz countertops and a custom backsplash, walk in pantry & butler's pantry. Kitchen is open to a large Great Room and has a formal dining that could also serve as a den. All bedrooms are spacious and have walk in closets and connected with a wonderful upstairs loft. Master suite has his & her closets, separate tub & shower along with separate vanities. Come see us. SOME PHOTOS ARE OF THE ACTUAL HOME & SOME PHOTOS ARE OF THE MODEL HOME TO GIVE DECORATING IDEAS! SEE NOTES!

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11129 E Ulysses Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$615,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780602

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

With an idyllic blend of comfort and elegance, this move-in ready home perfectly fits your lifestyle. The stunning kitchen is highlighted by a designer backsplash, modern maple Latte and white linen cabinets, and upgraded quartz countertops. The open-concept kitchen flows effortlessly into the great room and dining room, making this floor plan ideal for entertaining. The home is complete with designer curated finishes throughout. Don't miss this opportunity to own your dream home!

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