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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9496 W Freedom Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$2,500,000

5 Beds

5.5 Baths

4,838 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6776025

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this exquisite luxury custom home situated on over an acre in the beautiful community of Cibola Vista. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, dedicated office, and flex/game room, no detail was overlooked. Enter through 2 large courtyards to take in the uniqueness of this very special 4838 square foot residence. The gourmet kitchen has Cambria quartz countertops, premium appliances, massive island, dual kitchen cooking areas, and lovely large breakfast room. This opens to great room with fireplace, floor to ceiling windows retractable a full 90 degrees. The 12 foot ceilings add to the grandness of this spectacular home. All bedrooms have walk-in closets, and private bathrooms. Primary bedroom is massive, with a highly upgraded primary bath, stunningly finished. Elegant touches fill every inch, including Cambria countertops throughout home, luxury vinyl flooring, lovely window treatments, and highly upgraded fixtures. Enjoy the 4 car attached garage with ev charger. Detached huge RV garage has been pre-built for a casita (plans available). Additionally, slab parking can accommodate 8 more vehicles, with RV gate at side. Outside, enjoy the lovely heated play pool and spa, with removable glass fencing. Two custom gazebos add to the outdoor living with built in barbecue, cooler, tv, and smoker. Sport court for the pickleball enthusiasts, basketball court, tennis. Childrens' Ruff House play set to keep the kiddies busy! All landscaping is beautifully done, with artificial grass for ease of care. This home is truly special, and checks every box! Near the 303, Lake Pleasant, restaurants, and shopping. Welcome to your desert oasis, intended for the most discerning buyer.

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8742 E Woodley Way Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$2,500,000

4 Beds

5 Baths

4,613 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747685

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

In addition to the new custom home design, the owners have invested in additional upgrades. A professionally designed desert landscape featuring rolling terrain with marquee desert plant specimens. Expanded patio spaces created for enhanced outside living. The north facing heated pool is in the sun while the covered patios provide large shaded areas to eat and relax. The large lot provides for even more eastward expansion if desired. Windows and doors with direct sunlight have been tinted to maximize energy efficiency of the three zone heating and cooling system. The pool, HVAC and indoor and outdoor lighting can be controlled remotely as well as the monitored security and camera systems. The home features custom wood cabinetry throughout with dovetail joinery and soft-close hinges and glides. All four large bedrooms feature walk-in closets and ensuite baths and large showers. The attached casita features its own external entrance off the front patio for your guests.

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25323 N 104th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,500,000

5 Beds

5 Baths

4,438 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778685

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover luxurious living on a golf course lot with stunning views, nestled in the prestigious Troon Fairways community. This remarkable property located on Hole 1 boasts a spacious main home with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths downstairs, plus attached guest quarters on the second floor featuring an additional bedroom and bath—ideal for visitors or multi-generational living. Enjoy the heated pool and hot tub year round while taking in the views. Also included is a charming 1 bedroom, 1 bath detached 795 sqft Casita with Kitchenette & Living Room for the ultimate private retreat. With access to Troon's renowned amenities—championship golf courses, scenic trails, and a vibrant clubhouse—this home offers the finest in Scottsdale living.

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4052 E Oak Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

$2,500,000

5 Beds

6 Baths

5,232 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778389

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New construction - Modern Luxury just south of Arcadia. Every detail of this 5 bedroom masterpiece has been thoughtfully considered and expertly crafted, from the framing to the quality finishes, to the seamless smart home technology integration. Details such as hand-troweled venetian plaster and embedded light fixtures, generous butler pantry and doggie bath laundry are generally found at much higher price points. This flexible floor plan features a separate primary retreat that feels like a private spa, and an attached full casita including kitchen, bath and laundry. All bedrooms are ensuite. The kitchen is a cook's dream with all Thermador appliances, streamlined wood cabinets, and a huge, cantilevered island with plenty of room for seating and entertaining! The living area opens onto a generous patio and beyond is a new pool, hot tub, and large grassy area in the oversized backyard. Enjoy the lifestyle this amazing location affords: close to restaurants, shopping, golf, hiking, ASU, freeways, and 15 minutes to the airport. Call today for a private showing.

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8233 E Foothill Circle Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,500,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

3,540 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746614

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous home in desirable Pinnacle Peak Country Club situated on the golf course with mountain views. Breathtaking sunrises from your extended covered patio. Resort like backyard is amazing with a heated pool and spa, covered built in bbq, putting green tons of lighting for parties or privacy for romantic dinners. This custom home comes with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms that have all been updated. Primary bedroom with fireplace, dual vanities, walk in shower steam shower, jetted tub with micro therapy and walk in closet. Kitchen is full of features, stainless steel appliances, wall oven, warming drawer, cooktops and your own coffee maker. Roof was recoated in August 2024. New interior paint throughout. Also, a 300-bottle wine cellar for you to enjoy. This property is absolutely AMAZING!!

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4949 E Lincoln Drive Unit 13 Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$2,500,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,748 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697345

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, in the exclusive Montelucia Resort guard gated community, Villa 13 offers Arizona's famed lifestyle w/a low maintenance vibe. French doors open out from the great room to the patio allowing a true indoor/outdoor feel. Recent thoughtful updates include sealed limestone countertops in the kitchen/butler pantry w/a refreshed contemporary tile backsplash & redesigned fireplace surround. An open floor plan enhances casual or formal entertaining. All bedrooms are ensuite. Second level is accessible by a paneled elevator. The Omni Montelucia's amenities assure true resort style living: fitness center, 3 pools( in addition to a private pool for Villa residents), restaurants & special events. A true lock & leave lifestyle awaits!

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42311 N Sierra Vista Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$2,500,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

4,656 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748202

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SERENITY! Oasis in Cave Creek only seven minutes from downtown Cave Creek, Buffalo Chip & Harold's. This incredible home is located on over five acres, unsurpassed views of mountains and saguaro cactus, private guest house, private pool, spa, 3 car oversized garage and beautifully upgraded. Home features private front and back porches with peaceful and truly incredible views. You will find Viking appliances, oversized tile flooring, custom paint, open floor plan, negative edge pool, spa & rock waterfall feature. Close to National Forest and preserve for horses, hiking, etc.

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2060 E Quartz Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$2,500,000

7 Beds

8 Baths

6,846 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768491

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Recently built, beautifully constructed 2 story home in a quiet neighborhood, no HOA, on the edge of town with access to all major shopping and located just minutes from the freeway. Designed for multi-generational living, this home includes a beautiful large kitchen on the main floor with a large walk-in pantry, a 2nd fully functional kitchen on the 2nd floor. The elegant master bath is a must see with 2 large walk-in closets and a separate laundry in the master closet. Designed for comfort w/ 6 AC zones/thermostats for greater temperature control and balance. All interior walls are insulated for sound reduction. Parking - oversized 4 car garage and large circular drive with RV parking. The detached 1 bedroom guest house is fully functional with a kitchen and laundry.

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3440 E Kael Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$2,500,000

4 Beds

5.5 Baths

5,852 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6744700

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Luxury remodel in a gated community! New kitchen with custom cabinetry, cabinet-front fridge/freezer, quartz slab backsplashes, huge island with 2 dishwashers, 48' gas range and custom hood, and beautiful hutch style cabinetry with glass doors. If the kitchen wasn't enough.. there is a butlers pantry equipped with a microwave, a full size oven and an ice maker, in addition to the Costco sized pantry for all your additional storage needs. The primary bedroom will draw you in with its beautiful natural Harwood floors, its soaring ceilings, cozy double-sided fireplace, and its views of the full grown citrus trees that adorn the property. The primary bath has been completely overhauled! It boasts a custom shower with multiple shower heads, a freestanding tub overlooking a private courtyard, and its views of the full grown citrus trees that adorn the property. The primary bath has been completely overhauled! It boasts a custom shower with multiple shower heads, a freestanding tub overlooking a private courtyard, 2 vanities and separate closets. the bedrooms are split, with primary bedroom on the east end of the home & three additional bedrooms split on the west end. The home features 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths, living room, game room, theater room and formal dining room. Additional features included: 4 car extra deep garage with separate storage area, pool with slide, over 1,000 of covered patio, and much more!

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6418 N 28th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016

$2,500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,863 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784897

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Soft contemporary elegance meets comfortable living in this meticulously updated property. Located in the highly desirable guard-gated Biltmore Estates. Nestled at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve w/ peaceful mountain views on a premium lot which abuts natural desert on 2 sides. The clean lines of the plank white oak floors, oversized custom baseboards, 12' ceilings, coupled w/ oversized windows bring in an abundance of natural light, gorgeous views, & simple Arizona indoor/outdoor lifestyle. White kitchen cabinets accentuate the quartz countertops complete w/ a waterfall-edged island, gas cooktop, built in microwave + double wall ovens. Indulge in the Master bedroom & bath featuring a freestanding soaking tub, lavish shower w/ dual heads/controls, 2 vanities and ample storage. This darling home is all on level with no interior steps and all three bedrooms are split for your privacy. The 3 car garage is complete with epoxy flooring. Truly an entertainer's dream complete with a heated pool/ spa, and mountain views. This must see is conveniently located to great shopping, cultural and social events.

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5908 E Orange Blossom Lane Phoenix, AZ 85018

$2,500,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,395 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6713234

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the heart of the Arizona Country Club golf course is this lovely Spanish Colonial home. This is a one-of-a-kind property that offers great privacy and seclusion, while still being conveniently located on Orange Blossom Lane. As you enter through the wooden gate a serene courtyard welcomes you with a large covered patio complete with an outdoor kitchen, sparkling pool, oversized garage, and charming guest house creating an inviting oasis for entertaining family and friends. One of the oldest homes remaining on the course, this special property boasts architectural elegance throughout featuring barreled ceilings, solid wood flooring, a gas and wood-burning fireplace, and arched wooden doors that open onto views of tranquil Camelback Mountain. The open kitchen features a large butcher block island, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an abundance of windows and doors that overlook the lush fairways, allowing natural light to flood the space. The main house offers three spacious bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Additionally, a basement offers lots of storage space, wine storage and a great workspaces with outside exit. This property is a rare gem and is truly a must see.

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4841 E Fairmount Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85018

Open House

$2,500,000

5 Beds

6 Baths

4,141 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777412

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Arcadia living at its finest with this newly-built modern residence, nestled in the heart of Arcadia Lite. This sleek 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom residence offers sweeping Camelback Mountain views, paired with elevated finishes and design throughout. With functionality in mind, the modern layout features; An open main living area that flows into your chef's kitchen, two spacious primary suites (one on the main level and one on the second level), a large flex space/game room with a walkout balcony perfectly framing Camelback Mountain, and a resort backyard showcasing a sparkling pool, green space and seamless indoor/outdoor Arizona living. The spacious chef's kitchen is a dream come true and is set up for entertaining featuring; High-end appliances, custom cabinetry, and a large center island while offering easy access to the outdoor oasis, paired with a comfortable flow for day to day living. With an abundance of natural light, you'll never want to leave. Soak in the majestic Arizona evenings under your perfectly positioned pergola or gather around the beautiful pool. This stunning new construction home is in a prime Arcadia Lite location, conveniently across the street from OHSO Brewery Arcadia and just minutes from the Global Ambassador Hotel, Steak 44, The Henry, Chelsea's Kitchen, and LGO, plus Fashion Square Mall in Old Town Scottsdale. Preview this stunning modern residence today!

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