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.

What’s Your Home Worth?

Search for Your New Home

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

1724 W Hemingway Lane Anthem, AZ 85086

$570,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,168 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785447

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the heart of the desirable Anthem Parkside neighborhood, this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers a blend of comfort and convenience. Located directly across from a beautiful park, it provides serene views and easy access to outdoor recreation right at your doorstep. This home has been recently updated with a brand-new AC unit, water heater, and fresh paint throughout, ensuring energy efficiency and a fresh, modern feel. The master bathroom has also been completely renovated, providing a luxurious retreat within the home. With plenty of space for family and guests alike, this home is move-in ready and primed for memorable gatherings and everyday relaxation.

View Property

1842 N Red Cliff Mesa, AZ 85207

$570,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,379 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783900

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to this exceptional 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled in the exclusive, gated community of Mountain Bridge. Upgraded and fully furnished, this home is the epitome of move-in ready, offering style, elegance and convenience for modern living. As you step inside, you're greeted by an expansive great room featuring soaring ceilings and an abundance of natural light pouring in through a glass sliding door. This inviting space seamlessly blends comfort and sophistication, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. From the backyard, you can enjoy sweeping views of the desert wash, offering a private & serene landscape on a premium lot! Ultimate resort-style living at this community offers swimming pools, pickle ball/tennis courts, gym, rec center and so much more

View Property

531 W Silver Creek Road Gilbert, AZ 85233

$570,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,020 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6783620

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ATTENTION: *Potentially* assumable 2.25% VA loan, restrictions apply, must qualify. Nestled in the desirable Madera Park neighborhood, this beautifully remodeled 2 story home offers style and space. This residence offers a thoughtful floorplan including a charming coffee bar and private space under the stairs for littles or pets. Samsung washer/dryer set conveys and features a deep folding shelf of stylish granite. Kitchen equipped with LG fridge, Samsung electric cooktop/oven and built-in micro. Backyard will welcome you all year round with a majestic ficus tree, sandbox play area, a sun-sail over the pebble-tec pool, and there are even producing grape vines! MUST SEE this one ASAP!

View Property

15625 N Jerry Street Surprise, AZ 85378

New

$570,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,455 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787673

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom single level newer built surprise home. This home has upgrades throughout including marble floor throughout with no carpeting, upgraded baseboards, 9' ceilings and archways throughout, upgraded doors, fixtures window blinds and ceiling fans. This open floor plan home has a large living room and formal dining area with access easy access to the backyard patio. Stunning kitchen features granite countertops, tile backsplash, breakfast bar, upgraded soft-close cabinets, large island, separate walk-in pantry, gas range, dishwasher and refrigerator.

View Property

28715 N 64th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083

$570,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,820 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6784043

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this open airy 3BR, 2BA floorpan with many modern amenities such as upgraded blackout shades throughout entire home. The kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring elegant white cabinets, a wall oven, microwave, gas stovetop, farmhouse sink, rounded quartz island & quartz countertops with a walk-in pantry. Included are a refrigerator and washer/dryer. Luxuriate in the spa like owners bathroom suite with an oversized tiled walk in shower w/bench, double sinks, and a large closet. Bedrooms are carpeted & tile flooring flows through main areas. A large coat closet & gas tankless water heater complete this inviting home! Enjoy outdoor living with a sliding door leading to a low-maintenance backyard with turf and brick accents, surrounded by mountain views and overlooking a scenic canal

View Property

16180 W Glenrosa Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$570,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,066 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6651477

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Embrace the beauty of this wonderful 5-bedroom haven in Palm Valley! This home has a split floorplan, spacious primary bedroom with a remodeled walk-in shower, his and hers vanities and a walk-in closet. This home also features a MIL suite with it's own entrance from the courtyard and private bathroom PLUS an extended driveway with an RV Gate. The open-concept kitchen displays recessed lighting, a pantry, staggered cabinetry adorned with crown moulding, granite counters & backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Lastly, the backyard features a covered patio and a shimmering pool, perfect for warm summer days! Hurry! This gem will surely impress you!

View Property

2135 S Bristol -- Mesa, AZ 85209

$570,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,883 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6709098

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the heart of coveted Augusta Ranch, this home epitomizes elevated living. With its spacious open-concept floor plan boasting four bedrooms and three baths, it's an entertainer's dream. The family room and inviting kitchen areas are ideal for hosting gatherings. Enjoy the beautiful low-maintenance backyard, complete with a large pool that can be enjoyed year around thanks to a gas heater addition (2023). Updates like a new roof (2023) and renovated bath fixtures add modern convenience, while the community's amenities, including an executive golf course, bar/grill, abundant events, parks, and a school, ensure a lifestyle of comfort and enjoyment. This home is a must-see!

View Property

44562 W Sedona Trail Maricopa, AZ 85139

$570,000

6 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,019 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720344

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

View Property

3225 N Lost River Drive Camp Verde, AZ 86322

$570,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,640 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6727355

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

With a compelling offer, the seller is prepared to contribute to the buyer's interest rate buy-down or concessions. Updated 4 Bed, 3 Bath Home on 2 separate Parcels totaling over an Acre of Land. Brand New 2024 Roof. Brand New 2024 HVAC. All New LVP flooring & Fresh Carpet. Kitchen Boast New Quartz Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, & Tile Backsplash. Master Bedroom features Custom Walk-In shower, His & Her sinks, & Barndoor entry. New Light fixtures and Contemporary Fans throughout. Freshly Painted Inside & Out. Great for Animals or Extra Toys/RV's. Just Blocks away from the Verde River - Excellent Location!

View Property

26028 N 66th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083

$570,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,119 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757394

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, location, location! Attention: Seller is offering a $10,000 credit at closing towards buyer updating and/or upgrades! This home has energy saving feature upgrades as well with newly installed premium Andersen windows with a transferable warranty and a fully owned 5KW solar system to keep your energy bills low. In demand north Phoenix Eagle Ridge location with mountain views! Homes do not come up for sale frequently in this idyllic neighborhood. Close to shopping, schools, and parks. Multi-level open floor plan with expansive vaults and skylights to let in lots of light. Recently updated primary bath with huge walk in shower. Large yard and covered patio for entertaining. Inviting pebble-tec pool with a removable fence and beautiful water feature will captivate you! The main level has a convenient 4th bedroom for guests or as an in home office. The heart of the home, the kitchen, features multiple pantries with abundant storage and pull out drawers in convenient locations, as well as easy access to both the living room and family room. Newer high efficiency AC and air handler installed by current owner as well as water heater. Durable bamboo and tile flooring in all the high traffic areas of the home as well. Your new home awaits you!

View Property

18531 W Thistle Landing Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$570,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,593 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761534

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Tucked within the breathtaking Estrella Mountain Ranch, this Next Gen home seamlessly blends privacy, elegance, and modern living. Situated on a private lot with serene views of a peaceful common area, this home offers a rare opportunity for multigenerational living with two homes under one roof. Thoughtfully designed, this Lennar® Next Gen model includes a separate suite complete with its own entrance, kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom—ideal for extended family, guests, or even a private office. The possibilities are limitless! Located in the expansive 20,000-acre master-planned community of Estrella in Goodyear, residents are welcomed into a lifestyle defined by natural beauty and world-class amenities. Estrella features over 500 acres of parks and open space including 72 acres of lakes for boating and fishing. Residents enjoy exclusive access to the Starpointe Residents Club, two fitness centers, a refreshing water park, and miles of scenic hiking trails and bike paths. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and tennis courts. For golf lovers, the nearby Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course at The Golf Club of Estrella is a dream come true. And for those seeking relaxation, Estrella's resort-inspired atmosphere, surrounded by the Sierra Estrella Mountains and the Sonoran Desert Valley, offers a peaceful retreat just 17 miles from downtown Phoenix. This home offers more than just a place to liveit opens the door to the unrivaled lifestyle Estrella Mountain Ranch is known for. This community truly has something for everyone.

View Property

11541 E Corbin Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$570,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,373 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767202

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is located in the highly desirable Warner Enclave subdivision in Mesa. With 2,377 sq. ft. of upgraded living space, this 2-story home offers a bright and open floor plan perfect for entertaining. The kitchen features stunning Valhalla granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, a large pantry, and stainless steel appliances, including a gas range. The primary suite boasts a spacious walk-in closet, dual vanities, and a separate tub and shower. Additional features include a cozy upstairs loft, a dedicated office space, and a convenient upstairs laundry. The home is ENERGY STAR certified with a low HERS rating of 51, ensuring excellent energy efficiency. Outside, you'll find a well-maintained desert landscape with a covered patio, perfect for outdoor relaxation. Located near top-rated schools such as Queen Creek Unified District, this home also offers quick access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plus, with no rear neighbors, you'll enjoy added privacy. Don't miss out on this gemschedule your tour today!

View Property