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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11129 E Ulysses Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$615,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

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5 Beds

4 Baths

2,908 SqFt

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$615,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,137 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787032

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home to this gorgeous single-level, move-in-ready home in South Chandler. As you enter through the custom steel security screen and front door you are greeted with a neutral color palate, clean lines, and a view straight through to the backyard. This well-cared for two-owner home features a large master bedroom and bathroom with a walk-in closet, water closet, dual sinks, and a separate tub and shower. This master bedroom is split from the 2 guest bedrooms that are located on the opposite side of the house. The flex room, located near the front entrance, offers endless options. The beautiful kitchen has been updated with stainless steel appliances, freshly painted white cabinets, and has reverse osmosis water at the kitchen sink. The cozy gas fireplace is the perfect addition this Welcome Home to this gorgeous single-level, move-in-ready home in South Chandler. As you enter through the custom steel security screen and front door you are greeted with a neutral color palate, clean lines, and a view straight through to the backyard. This well-cared for two-owner home features a large master bedroom and bathroom with a walk-in closet, water closet, dual sinks, and a separate tub and shower. This master bedroom is split from the 2 guest bedrooms that are located on the opposite side of the house. The flex room, located near the front entrance, offers endless options. The beautiful kitchen has been updated with stainless steel appliances, freshly painted white cabinets, and has reverse osmosis water at the kitchen sink. The cozy gas fireplace is the perfect addition this time of year not just for ambiance but to quickly heat the house as well. Throughout the house you'll notice all new door hardware, faucets, light fixtures, baseboards, and electrical outlets. In 2022, two brand new AC units were installed followed by new interior and exterior paint, new carpet and baseboards, and a new 50-year roof in 2023. In 2024, the seller replaced the sunscreens and backyard irrigation. He also added artificial grass to the front yard. The 3-car split garage offers flexibility and includes side-mounted electric openers with battery backup that control insulated doors, tons of electrical outlets, built-in storage, and access to the attic and the backyard. When entering the backyard from the family room or master bedroom you'll find a covered patio with epoxy-coated stamped concrete and an electric rolling shutter perfect for hot summer evenings, cold winter mornings, and those dirty summer haboobs. Past the patio, you'll find beautiful green grass and a mixture of trees, shrubs, and rocks. If that's not enough, this home also includes Ring security devices, a washer & dryer, and all kitchen appliances. The only things you'll need to make this home yours are furniture and clothes. Welcome Home.

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$615,000

3 Beds

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2,061 SqFt

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2431 W Eagle Feather Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$615,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,309 SqFt

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Price Type --

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$615,000

3 Beds

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2,191 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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1529 E Edgewater Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$615,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,144 SqFt

Status Active

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Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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8818 W Quail Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$615,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,790 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769179

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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$615,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,592 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778445

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

COME CHECK OUT YOUR NEXT HOME! This single level home in Scottsdale has a beautiful recently renovated kitchen with quartz counters and lots of cabinet space. This home has a split floorplan with a larger Owners' suite. It has a new vanity with a granite top in the owners' bathroom and a tiled walk-in shower. There is a patio door to the courtyard for enjoying your morning coffee or a glass of wine. Bedrooms 2 and 3 are split from the owners' suite. Bathroom #2 has a new vanity with a granite top as well. Tile and laminate floors throughout. Enjoy the spacious private yard with a detached 2 car garage. NO HOA.

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7752 W Mary Jane Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

$615,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,515 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774496

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Pride of Ownership! Situated on a spacious corner lot, this beautiful haven offers a 3-car garage, RV gate, & NO HOA! Discover an inviting living room & a desirable great room paired w/wood flooring, gas fireplace, & French doors that create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. Tall vaulted ceilings add to the airy feel, complemented by ceiling fans & plantation shutters. Fabulous kitchen displays coffered ceilings, recessed lighting, a custom island w/a breakfast bar, granite counters, plenty of cabinets & built-in appliances. The main bedroom ensures a peaceful retreat, showcasing plush carpet, two-toned paint, an ensuite w/dual sinks, & 2 walk-in closets. Tranquil backyard includes a covered patio, storage shed, & a refreshing pool for year-round enjoyment. Come check out the beauty.

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5372 S Cat Claw Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$615,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,320 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785100

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing, spacious 3 bedroom/2 bath PLUS a dedicated office with built-in desks and storage. Light, open floor plan with over 2300 square feet for relaxing, entertaining, and personal space. Bay windows in primary room and kitchen. Air conditioned Arizona room with huge windows and 2 separate indoor access doors, one from primary bedroom and another from the kitchen, then out to the patio to grill using gas stub. The 2.5 garage has wall to wall storage and a work counter with it's own cabinets for tools; there is also a charger for electric vehicle. This is a vibrant 55+ adult community with so many activities to get involved: Year round community pool and spa, 2 golf courses, Tennis courts, Pickleball, Pottery patio with kiln and a Monthly calendar filled with various activities.

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41670 W Barcelona Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$615,000

6 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,149 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783411

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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