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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3536 N Snead Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$577,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,466 SqFt

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MLS # 6748270

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$576,995

4 Beds

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2,480 SqFt

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823 W Overland Road Payson, AZ 85541

$576,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,806 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779437

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Location, Location, Locating! House is nestled on 0.33A, hidden by beautiful trees and foliage. 1806 sqft, 3BR, 2BA, split floor plan. Vaulted ceilings, living room has gas fireplace. New Vinyl Plank flooring throughout. Awesome kitchen and dining area with newer appliances, double oven -- fit for a cook at heart. Master suite has two walk-in closets. The back yard is a retreat --- so very private. This is a MUST SEE!

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3355 Rising Sun Ridge Wickenburg, AZ 85390

Open House

$575,950

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,543 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745962

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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13602 S Garnet Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

$575,555

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,718 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757813

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready custom home sitting on 1.2 acres with huge garage , remodeled primary bath with tiled shower & tub, new vanity, lighting, & fixtures. Nicely remodeled kitchen with QUARTZ counters, tall cabinets, pantry & trash compactor. Breakfast bar, eat-in kitchen + a formal dining room. Living room with cozy fireplace & large bay window seat flows nicely into billiard room, bar, & office. There is a large craft room with outside exit door & an enclosed AZ room off the primary + a nursery & walk-in closet. Vaulted ceilings, fans, plant shelves, french doors with inset blinds, dual pane windows. 3.5 car extra tall garage with plenty of storage, newer water softener. Grass yard, 2 RV gates, fully fenced. And a sun deck to enjoy 300* MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Live Rural with shopping only 4 miles awa

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8552 W Sierra Street Peoria, AZ 85345

$575,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,228 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**BUYER FINANCING HELP AVAILABLE**Step into this freshly painted home featuring a spacious living and dining area that provides ample space for entertainment. The large kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, a kitchen island, extended cabinetry, a breakfast nook, and opens to a huge family room with a cozy fireplace. The expansive primary suite offers a walk-in closet and a luxurious bath. Three additional bedrooms share a well-appointed bathroom. Outside, enjoy a perfect backyard oasis complete with a heated pool featuring a soothing waterfall. Situated on a huge lot ideal for entertaining or personal enjoyment, the property includes a gazebo and storage shed for added convenience. RV gate and ample parking space, plus a three-car garage and new AC unit

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20923 S 231st Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$575,490

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,264 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786619

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new phase!. Our popular Sage plan is conveniently located to all that Queen Creek has to offer. Minutes from the brand new Costco, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Market Place and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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10262 W Columbus Avenue Avondale, AZ 85392

$575,279

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,587 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6761862 November Completion! Welcome to the 45-3 at Parkside Almeria, a spacious single-story home spanning 2,567 square feet with 4 bedrooms. The heart of the home is the expansive great room, effortlessly blending with the dining area to create an open, inviting space perfect for gatherings. The primary suite offers a private retreat with plenty of space to unwind. The smart floorplan also includes a flexible room, ideal for a home office, creative space, or even an additional bedroom. The primary bathroom adds a touch of luxury with its super shower, transforming daily routines into spa-like experiences. This home combines thoughtful design with luxurious living for ultimate comfort and style. Structural options include: soft water loop, gas line outdoor kitchen, garage service door, and paver porch and walkway.

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16029 E Rancho Laredo Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$575,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,795 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781610

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to your brand new 4 bedroom 2 bath 2024 new build! This spit open floor plan features quartz countertops, wood cabinets, custom tile showers and synthetic stucco finish. With NO HOA and an acre of land, your backyard is a blank canvas for outdoor serenity. This home is signed up with Epcor for water to ease your mind. Don't miss out on this great opportunity.

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31344 S Eastview Road Marana, AZ 85658

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,959 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787390

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful home on 10 acres of land! This rare find is remote, yet very nicely finished. At 1,959 sqft, this 3 bed, 2 bath 2014 custom build has plenty of space. It is entirely off-grid, with a private well and solar power with battery bank. The mountain views are breathtaking, and can be seen from nearly every window and both balconies. The lot is also uniquely situated with enough room for another dwelling. Enjoy the views and abundant wildlife during the day, and the fireplace, outdoor firepit, and stars in the evenings. This home is in a private, gated, and fenced community with very few neighbors, lots of space, and no HOA. The home is down a long dirt road, and downtown Marana and the comforts of city living are about 35-45 minutes away, making this a true getaway.

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35938 N 138th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$575,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,138 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782719

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled on a spacious 1.25-acre lot, this charming 2,138-square-foot home offers the perfect blend of comfort, tranquility, and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by natural beauty, the property provides ample space for relaxation and recreation, while being just moments away from scenic hiking trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes. The home's inviting floor plan features generous living spaces with large windows that frame stunning views of the surrounding countryside and sky. Whether you're enjoying the crisp air from the patio, stargazing under the expansive night sky, or exploring the nearby trails, you'll feel a sense of peace and connection with nature at every turn.

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1 E Lexington Avenue Unit 1101 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$575,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,261 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720258

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Urban luxury living at your oasis in the city with million dollar views from the 11th floor of One Lexington, the premier high rise community in downtown Phoenix. This loft style contemporary is spacious and bright with floor to ceiling glass that capture dramatic views of the Phoenix City scape, along with picturesque surrounding mountain views. The kitchen is sleek and opens onto the main living space with custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and ample storage space. The primary bedroom windows frame the city beyond and the spa like bath has dual vanities, a soak tub, walk in shower and roomy closet space. The secondary bedroom offers flexibility and additional opportunities for endless sunsets and desert night skies.Amenities include front desk staff, a heated resort style pool and spa, built in outdoor grills, a full gym facility with free weights and a club lounge for special events, along with a dog run for your urban city furry friend. The unit has 2 assigned gated parking spaces, as well as a separate lockable storage locker. Walk or ride the light rail to sporting events, dining, theater, opera and museums: all within walking distance of your desert city oasis. Go to our website for more information.

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