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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25398 S 227th Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$599,900

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,767 SqFt

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MLS # 6762278

Property Type Single Family Residence

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$599,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,397 SqFt

Status Active

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Property Type Single Family Residence

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8129 W Ross Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$599,900

4 Beds

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2,337 SqFt

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MLS # 6759468

Property Type Single Family Residence

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1252 E Brentrup Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$599,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,875 SqFt

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MLS # 6772127

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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9243 E Sector Drive Mesa, AZ 85212

$599,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,810 SqFt

Status Active

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Property Type Single Family Residence

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FORMER MODEL HOME! Ready for Quick Move-In. 3 BR + study / 2.5 BA. Kitchen with island and ''Landen Maple'' Burlap cabinetry, white quartz countertops & white-grey herringbone kitchen backsplash with under cabinet lighting. Upgraded tile flooring in all living areas with upgraded carpet in bedrooms, hallways & closets! Dual vanity sinks in both full bathrooms. LED lighting and upgraded light fixtures throughout, smart switches, two-tone paint. This home also features a landscaped backyard with paver patio & washer, dryer, fridge & window treatments included!

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16656 S 13th Street Phoenix, AZ 85048

$599,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,040 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780667

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Beautiful Foothills home on an oversized, cul-de-sac, end lot with numerous upgrades. Nice back/side yards with lots of green landscaping and a large swimming pool. Multiple upgrades including newer kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances (2016), laminate flooring upstairs (2016), hardwood staircase (2016), resurfaced pebble-tech pool with new filtration system (2021), new guest bath (2022), hot water heater (2022) and the master closet organizer (2023). High grade tile bathrooms with tub in master bath. Nice big loft is a great space for an office or bonus room. Move in ready!

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10733 W Swayback Pass Peoria, AZ 85383

$599,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,282 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This deal is a steal! Price includes 20k for rate buy down and closing cost, and is still priced below comps. The floorplan is 50 ft wide, nicely upgraded, and features 3 beds, plus a den, 3 full baths, and a 3 car garge, located on a large premium lot. The back yard is finished with pavers, turf, and a large covered patio. The setbacks are large for privacy, and there is a double gate on the east side. Bring your offer today.

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10847 E Forge Circle Mesa, AZ 85208

$599,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,092 SqFt

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MLS # 6784548

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Do not miss this one in a kind home!! It features 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with a large RV gate. The master bedroom is downstairs and has its own staircase leading upstairs to a private loft that overlooks the pool. The main staircase leads to upstairs to 3 oversized bedrooms, full bathroom and a massive loft. The main floor features an upgraded kitchen with granite, a backsplash, stainless appliances and a huge pantry with coffee station and extra storage. It is an open concept with a breakfast nook looking to the pool and a formal dining that can be used as office or another living space. The backyard is an oasis with beautiful pool, outdoor kitchen, fire pit and large ramada.

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24686 N 175th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$599,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,192 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785461

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this 2022 platinum upgrade package (36k) Lennar built home situated on private lot due to drainage easement. You choose this home over a current Lennar build to capitalize on 150k of updates for almost the exact same cost as current models with-out. Professionally transformed basic ''builder grade'' lot into a magazine worthy masterpiece boasting a custom pool with sunbathing shelf, stunning travertine tile, waterfall feature, premium added lighting in both pool & landscaping, raised gas fire pit with pergola, outdoor kitchen/bar with built-in grill (never used), motorized sun shades, ceiling fan and built-in outdoor speakers & tv! (128k) Interior updates: 7 ceiling fans, pendant & cabinet lighting, epoxied garage floor, added built-ins, water softener and whole home audio 12k

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1018 W Park Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$599,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,118 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786887

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Gilbert's most sought-after community! This stunning, competitively priced 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers peace of mind with a new AC, roof, and water heater, plus an owned water softener system. Perfectly situated on the largest corner lot in the neighborhood, the backyard is a paradise designed for making memories. Imagine summer days by the sparkling pool, evenings hosting friends under the stars, and plenty of space for kids and pets to play. The RV gate provides ample room for your toys and extra storage. Inside, you'll find spacious living areas and a thoughtful layout, ideal for raising your family and entertaining guests. Move in and start creating a lifetime of memories!

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1910 E Rainbow Trail Payson, AZ 85541

$599,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,772 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6692516

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW - TO BE BUILT Dream Home on the Rim in Payson - surrounded by gorgeous custom homes and less than 7 min from Renowned Golf Club at Chaparral Pines & The Rim Club, less than a mile from Safeway grocery store and convenient shopping, dining, gas & bank. Buyers able to select Cabinet Color, Granite Color, Interior & Exterior Paint and Flooring. Not much around here under $600K so hurry - home can be completed in less than 6 mos- just in time to enjoy for the summer! Photo reflects same floorplan and elevation as what will be built. Additional Photos of this home will be posted as it progresses. Buyer to verify all facts & figures.

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4209 E Bonanza Road Gilbert, AZ 85297

$599,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,502 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6753531

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful home in Power Ranch has been meticulously maintained by the original owners and offers 4 bedrooms & 3 full baths in 2502 SqFt. Living areas include formal living/dining and separate family room on the main level and a large upstairs loft. The recently updated eat-in kitchen features maple cabinetry with under-cabinet lighting and crown molding, granite countertops, modern subway tile backsplash, stainless appliances, pantry, and island with breakfast bar. The backyard has an extended covered patio with ceiling fan and easy-care artificial turf for kids and pets to play on. One bedroom and bath are on the main level, perfect for guests! The primary is upstairs and has double door entry, and an en-suite bath with dual sink vanity, separate tub & shower, and walk-in closet. The laundry room is conveniently located upstairs. Other features include an oversized 2 car garage and leased solar panels to provide utility savings! Power Ranch is a resort-style community with a variety of amenities including a clubhouse, two swimming pools, and spa, sport courts (including tennis, pickleball, and bocce), fitness center, and much more!

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