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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1521 W Garfield Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

$579,900

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,059 SqFt

Status Active

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$579,900

5 Beds

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2,628 SqFt

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Immaculate Reconstructed Home, Fully Upgraded. Come and see this Beautiful Diamond in the heart of Glendale. About 2.7 miles from Cardinal Stadium. Gorgeous Tiled Bathroom Showers, New Bathroom Vanities with Marble Counter tops, New Tiled Floors in the right places, New carpet in the Bedrooms, 2 8x8 Feet Arcadia Doors, Electric Chimney, New Kitchen Cabinets with New Granite Counter Tops, Two New A/C units. New Trusses, New Tiled Roofing, New Insulation, New Drywall and Texture, New Baseboards, New Doors, New Garage Door. New Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances. This is a Must see. Agents Bring Your Buyers, they will not be disappointed.

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$579,900

5 Beds

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2,402 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

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7602 E Thomas Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$579,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,628 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728718

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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16951 W Villagio Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$579,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,075 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6733430

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

CLEAN & PRISTINE SIERRA THAT BACKS TO COMMON AREA WITH NO BACK TO BACK NEIGHBORS & PRIVATE PATIO. PRE-PAID SOLAR LEASE, COVERAGE UNTIL 5/2044, MONTHLY APS BILLS AVERAGE $55 PER MONTH. RECENT UPGRADES INCLUDE PLANTATION SHUTTERS, BEAUTIFUL GRANITE & CUSTOM CABINETRY IN KITCHEN, CENTER ISLAND, MASTER & GUEST BATHROOMS. THE LIGHT/BRIGHT KITCHEN IS COMPLETE WITH BUILT-STAINLESS WALL OVEN, MICROWAVE, 5 BURNER GAS COOKTOP & REFRIGERATOR & BRIGHT OFFICE/DEN HAS DOUBLE DOORS. WINDOW WORLD DOUBLE PANE, TRIPLE COATED LOW E WINDOWS HAVE BEEN ADDED THROUGHOUT HOME. EXTENDED GARAGE HAS WORKBENCH, CABINETS, OVERHEAD STORAGE, NEWER HVAC, HOT WATER TANK & HOT WATER RECIRCULATION SYSTEM. EXPANDED SOUTH FACING, PRIVATE PATIO CREATES THE IDEAL SETTING FOR ENTERTAINING FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

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13965 W Woodbridge Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$579,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,645 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730972

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spacious 2650 sq ft single story home located at the end of a quiet culdesac in beatiful Palm Valley. 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms with a den that can be used as a 5th bedroom. Huge main bedroom with walkin closet. Huge granite top kitchen with over plenty of cabinets, walk in pantry and huge island countertop overlooking a huge great room and backyard. Formal dining rm across from kitchen. Full access to Palm Valley comm Rec center huge pool club house basketball etc. This home has been a rental property for many years and owners want to retire. Home is in great shape and may need some tlc. Owner may give some discount or give a cash credit back to buyer at COE for justified tlc. All offers will be reviewed. Seller may carry short term with 10% down with approved application.

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23086 E Thornton Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$579,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,116 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744050

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SELLER OFFERING $10,000 CONCESSION!! Rare 5-bedroom home in Barney Farms built in 2021. Enjoy this premier community in a resort setting, with a deep-water lake at the heart of it all. The community center inspires a healthy active lifestyle with an aquatic center, pickle ball courts, sand volleyball, and numerous parks, playgrounds, and trails to enjoy. This home has a fun putting green in the backyard for more laid-back leisure and a cozy patio. The front room comes complete with a built-in Murphy bed and shelves to make a perfect office / guest bedroom. A ''collar-controlled'' smart doggie door provides security and convenience for the little loved ones. The best part is a split floorplan perfect for multi-generational living or working at home. You'll love this new home!

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926 W Spur Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$579,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,134 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770643

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover modern luxury in this beautifully remodeled single-family home located on a large corner lot in the heart of Gilbert, Arizona. This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has been completely transformed, offering over 2,100 square feet of sophisticated living space. No detail has been overlooked in this top-to-bottom renovation, blending contemporary design with everyday comfort. Step inside to find an open and inviting floor plan, featuring brand-new flooring, fresh paint, and updated lighting throughout. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting new quartz countertops, sleek custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a spacious island perfect for meal prep and casual dining. The living and dining areas flow effortlessly, creating an ideal space for entertaining family and friends. The luxurious primary suite is a true retreat, complete with a walk-in closet and a fully updated en-suite bathroom showcasing a custom-tiled shower, dual vanities, and modern fixtures. The additional bedrooms are generously sized with plenty of closet space, and the remodeled baths feature stylish finishes and top-tier materials. Outside, the large backyard is your blank canvas with endless possibilities including plenty of room to add a pool, making it perfect for Arizona's outdoor lifestyle. Whether you're hosting a BBQ or relaxing under the stars, this backyard is ready for all your outdoor living needs. The home also includes a spacious two-car garage, new windows, upgraded HVAC, and energy-efficient features throughout. Located in a prime Gilbert neighborhood, close to top-rated schools, shopping, dining, and entertainment, this fully remodeled gem is move-in ready and waiting for you to make it your home. Don't miss this rare opportunity!

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16426 S 180th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$579,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,779 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777616

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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13348 W Cambridge Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

Open House

$579,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,210 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773589

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this beautiful home in the desirable Palm Valley community. This charming single-family home situated in a family-friendly neighborhood. This recently updated property features a spacious layout with four bedrooms and two updated bathrooms, ideal for comfortable living. The open-concept design allows for plenty of natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances and ample storage, perfect for home cooking. The backyard offers a private pool and spa for relaxation and entertaining. With nearby parks, shopping centers, and easy access to major highways, this location is convenient for both families and commuters. It's a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to settle in Goodyear. Solar is paid in full at the close of escrow

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1308 W Macaw Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$579,890

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,531 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750328

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ready September!! Near all the amenities and park area. 3 Bedrooms 2.5 bath plus loft, Beautiful cabinets with granite Counter tops, wood look tile and two-tone paint throughout!! Great sized backyard with covered patio to enjoy. Just steps away from all the amazing Amenities North Creek has to offer.

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16800 W Mesquite Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

New

$579,880

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,929 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783417

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bedroom 2 1/2 baths , two story, 2 car garage, with a Workshop & Cabinets, big backyard with Sparkling pool w/ Pebbletech surface. Solar - Low Electric Bills, Updated Equipment in Pool & Solar, Exterior of home was freshly painted 2020, Upstairs Loft areas great for kids studying, secondary Loft for adult work, Plantation shutters, Granite Counter tops & backslash, Stainless steel Appliances - range, Oven, Dishwasher & microwave all in SS. Bay window overlooking beautiful backyard with Sparkling Pool. Great for family picnics and barbeques.

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