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

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

View As: Thumbnails List

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

701 S Reynolds Lane Show Low, AZ 85901

$462,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,534 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6638533

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Adorable home and amazing location! Gorgeous vaulted ceilings, 3bed/2bath split floor plan, large open kitchen and living space. Get cozy during the winters next to the beautiful stone gas fireplace, enjoy the springtime and summers on one of the large front or back decks and oversized fully fenced backyard! Spacious master bedroom includes large walk-in closet, double vanity, and jetted tub. This home is located in town nearby the hospital, grocery stores, and shopping all while being surrounded by tall pines and views throughout the neighborhood. Show Low Bluff Trail/Show Low Creek is only two minutes away, and you can even hear when the Elk are bugling! Whether you are searching for your primary home, or vacation home this is a MUST SEE! *Mounted coat rack, and TV Mount do not convey

View Property

16420 N Thompson Peak Parkway Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$462,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,338 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673472

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Unique end unit with Camelback & City lights views! Split floor plan, windows across the back to capture light and those McDowell mountain views. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths - split floor plan. 1 car garage. Gated neighborhood. New flooring throughout (2022), new granite kitchen & bathroom countertops, frameless shower door in primary bathroom. All new appliances (2017). Kitchen breakfast bar updated and lowered! Great room floor plan with fireplace w/ accent wall to the ceiling and plenty of room for your sectional and dining room table. High ceilings. Perfect for a full-time resident or someone looking for a lock and leave property. 1 car garage, no other parking for an owners second car in the development (only guest parking). Only mins to Westworld entertainment/events, fine dining, golf, hiking trails, and much more. Award-winning McDowell Mountain Ranch has a large range of luxury amenities within the community and nearby including two recently renovated community parks, community center featuring pickleball, heated pool and spa, splash pad, basketball court, large grass area, and tennis courts. McDowell Sonoran Preserve and trail system, McDowell Mountain Golf Club, City of Scottsdale Aquatic.

View Property

17713 W Granite View Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$462,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689381

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You've just found the perfect home! This beautiful cul-de-sac abode features 3 beds, 2 baths & DEN (Den can easily converted to a 4th bdrm), &.. a 2-car garage! Well-maintained interior showcases an open floor plan graced with abundant natural light, wood-like tile flooring, and neutral paint throughout. Stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, granite counters, recessed & pendant lighting, ample white cabinets with crown molding, subway tile backsplash, and a practical island with a breakfast bar complete this spotless kitchen. Serene primary bedroom includes plush carpet, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. PLUS! You'll have a dedicated den/office. With its covered patio and pavers, the backyard is perfect for unwinding or stargazing! This rare find won't disappoint. Newer Super cute & clean home that is absolute turn key!! Compare VS new construction and SAVE$$$$ big time! Low maintenance landscaping - lock and leave easy living. The Pride of Homeownership shows in this one..! Surrounded by majestic mountains and wide-open desert vistas, life in Estrella is a masterpiece of harmonious balance dynamic-yet serene offering young couples, families and retirees a resort-inspired lifestyle with state-of-the-art amenities.

View Property

6521 S 43rd Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

Open House

$462,500

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,169 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6676880

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Sharp FORMER MODEL 3BR/3BA plus den shows beautifully. Lots of upgrades including spacious island kitchen overlooking family room, complete with upgraded cherry cabinets, granite, and stainless steel appliances. Upstairs features Primary bedroom, guest room with en-suite bath, and open den/loft area with built-in cabinets/desk. One full bedroom/bath downstairs as well. Upgraded plank-style wood flooring, custom window coverings, upgraded bay windows in dining & kitchen complete the interior of this wonderful home. Double French doors lead to spacious backyard complete with covered patio, gazebo and mature landscaping. All of this, and cllose to Cesar Chavez park, schools, shopping and restaurants. This home shows very well and will NOT disappoint! Welcome home!

View Property