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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18643 W Miami Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

New

$499,999

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,489 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6701844

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The perfect stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence nestled in the heart of Goodyear. This home boasts Contemporary light fixtures and open floor plan seamlessly connects the family room to the chef's kitchen. The kitchen featuring a gas cooktop, granite countertops, and sleek stainless-steel appliances. a large island. A master suite, with a full bathroom that has dual sinks, separate tile shower and tub, large walk-in closet. RV Gate, A 3 car tandem garage that offers durable epoxy floor ensures easy maintenance, while the well-organized cabinets optimize storage efficiency, resulting in a space that is both visually appealing and highly practical. Your new home awaits you! organized cabinets optimize storage efficiency, resulting in a space that is both visually appealing and highly practical. Your new home awaits you!

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2739 E Windsor Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85008

$499,999

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,544 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6609476

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Sellers Offering 2% Concession. Centrally located 3bd/2ba Main house with 230 sq ft guest house with a bathroom and no HOA. Close to hospitals, AZ Center, sports stadiums, symphony hall, light rail, parks, airport and hiking nearby at Camelback Mtn. The home has a welcoming great room that leads right into the beautifully updated kitchen with quartz countertops, pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances and tile/vinyl throughout the whole downstairs. The primary suite is downstairs with a large walk-in closet and its own ensuite. Stairs were redone with vinyl. The upstairs has 2 bedrooms with walk-in closets and a hall bathroom. Guest house has its own AC unit, bathroom, and beautiful vinyl flooring. Roof replaced 2022 & new AC on the main house in 2019.

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6525 W El Cortez Place Phoenix, AZ 85083

$499,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,720 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678806

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning Designer 3bed/2bath Home Located In Quiet Hillside Development On A Cul De Sac Lot* Gorgeous Interior Design Draped In Soft Neutral Palette Colors* Kitchen w/ Plenty of Cabinets Space, Large Pantry & Island to entertain Your Guests* The 12'X 20' Office/Homeschool/Media Room Is Perfect For the New Lifestyle Demands* Nice Size Master Suite & Bath W/ Dbl Sinks & Lg Walking* French Doors Leads Out To Covered Patio & Spacious Backyard W/ Manicured Tiff Winter Lawn* Sunset Views Of Luden Mtn W/Access to Hiking & Endless Mountain Biking* Please Read Semi Private Remarks Regarding the APS solar PANEL AGREEMENT... There is no monthly fee and the homeowner is credited a monthly amount for APS allowing them to use the panels to feed their power grid system

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3594 W Oil Well Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$499,999

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,816 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687160

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll LOVE this incredible single-story home in the desirable Community of Promenade! Come inside to find a captivating open layout filled with recessed & decorative light fixtures, a trending palette, wood-look tile floors, a contemporary fireplace, & multi-sliders that merge indoor & outdoor living. Gourmet kitchen is fully equipped with a gas cooktop, a wall oven, granite counters, tile backsplash, a walk-in pantry, beautiful wood shaker cabinetry with crown molding, & a large island with a breakfast bar. Retreat to the carpeted main bedroom, featuring a full ensuite with dual sinks, a makeup vanity table, & a walk-in closet. The home's elegance extends outdoors to the backyard, offering a covered patio, an attached Ramada, an exterior fireplace, a fire pit, & pavers.

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17008 W Butler Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$499,999

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,786 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690854

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Cottonwood floor plan gives you the primary bedroom on the 1st floor, 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, with a huge large loft and a study downstairs with double doors to accommodate all the entertaining you could want and then some! The kitchen features warm brown shaker cabinets with 42'' uppers and crown molding, beautiful back splash with quartz counter tops. This home is on a N/S facing lot and from the backyard you have beautiful views of the White Tank Mountains. Our High-Performance Homes come standard with home automation technology, a REME HALO Air Purification system and they are designed with you in mind, to stay healthier & more comfortable in your new home. This home will deliver in May.

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14595 W Acapulco Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$499,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,310 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699093

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Clean and Fresh! 4 bed/2.5 bath with a Den, Formal Dining and Living Room, Loft upstairs. Open Floorplan! Backyard is already complete with BBQ, Above Ground Pool with Professional Equipment, and Shed. Area has Everything! Spring Training, Surprise Community Park with Fishing, Library, Dog Park and Family Ammenities including Shopping, Restaurants, Easy Freeway Access to 303, 101 and Grand.

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3668 S 180th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$499,998

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,955 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695603

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in Las Brisas Phase 2B! This stunning residence built by Taylor Morrison in 2021 is a masterpiece of modern living, offering a perfect blend of luxury and functionality. The kitchen is outfitted with a customizable Samsung Smart Refrigerator and washer-dryer units, adding a touch of modern convenience to your daily routine. The entryway is adorned with a beautiful accent wall, setting the tone for the elegance and style found throughout the home. Don't miss your chance to own this exceptional residence in Las Brisas Phase 2B. It's a rare opportunity to experience luxury living in one of Goodyear's most sought-after communities. As you step inside, you're greeted by an inviting open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The heart of the home is the spacious gourmet kitchen, featuring a large granite countertop island, ample cabinetry, and a walk-in pantry. It's a chef's delight, perfect for hosting gatherings and creating culinary masterpieces. The state-of-the-art smart home security system ensures peace of mind and convenience for you and your family. Luxury continues in the bathrooms, where you'll find raised vanities that add a touch of sophistication to your daily routine. The large 3-car tandem garage is a car enthusiast's dream, complete with built-in shelving and cabinets for all your storage needs. Outside, the backyard is a blank canvas awaiting your creativity. Whether you envision a serene oasis with a lush garden and patio or a vibrant outdoor entertainment area, the possibilities are endless. Additionally, within the Las Brisas community, you'll discover many parks with amenities such as volleyball nets, basketball courts, and soccer nets. It's a perfect setting for a fun and active lifestyle, ideal for both families and those who love to stay active. The community is also pet-friendly, ensuring that your furry companions can enjoy the outdoors as much as you do. This home is also Pearl Certified, meaning it's energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, saving you money on utility bills while reducing your carbon footprint.

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40419 W Michaels Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$499,995

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,000 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695669

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The main floor of the Yorktown was designed for entertaining, offering an expansive great room and an open dining room overlooking a covered patio and backyard. A gourmet kitchen with a large center island, built in wall microwave/oven combination, and gas cooktop awaits the inner chef. The 3-car garage leads to a convenient mudroom with walk-in closet, a powder room and a private study. On the second floor, there's an immense loft surrounded by three bedrooms(one includes a walk-in closet!), a shared bath, and a large laundry room. The owner's suite includes a deluxe bath showcasing a separate soaking bath and shower along with a spacious walk-in closet.

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17657 W Running Deer Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$499,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,220 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6636944

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll find plenty to love about this home! The center of the home boasts a large kitchen with a convenient center island and walk-in pantry, which flows into an open-concept dining nook and great room. This home has four bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The owner's suite has a deluxe master bath shower and large walk-in closet. An upgraded shower in the guest bath. Additional options include ten-foot ceilings, 2 car extended garage with plenty of storage, gourmet kitchen, soft water pre-plumb and great room slider.

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40363 W Wade Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$499,995

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,030 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693668

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Main floor of the inviting Ammolite plan offers a great room and well appointed kitchen with center island and roomy pantry. Upstairs, discover a central loft, a laundry and three secondary bedrooms with a shared bath. A lavish primary suite boasts an expansive walk-in closet and private bath rounds out the floor. You'll love the professionally curated fixtures and finishes selected by our design team.

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21415 N Elba Road Maricopa, AZ 85138

$499,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6528777

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Maricopa decadence! Welcome to one of the premier properties located within the prestigious Rancho El Dorado Community of Mariocopa. This home boasts an immense great room with center-meet doors that leads onto a cheerful covered patio that faces to the east and gets great shade in the afternoon. Also included: a gourmet kitchen boasting 42'' upper cabinets, a center island, a spacious walk-in pantry and an adjacent dining room; a secluded owner's suite showcasing an oversized walk-in closet and a deluxe bath with double sinks; a convenient powder room; a central laundry; three secondary bedrooms with a shared full bath; a 2-car garage PLUS an additional side-turn garage.

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18655 W Honeysuckle Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$499,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,826 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6630289

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this RV Ultra Garage Pewter home! Included features: a covered entry; a well-appointed kitchen boasting 42'' upper cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a center island and a walk-in pantry; a relaxing great room and adjacent dining room; a secluded primary suite showcasing additional windows, a spacious walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; a central laundry; two secondary bedrooms with a shared bath; a charming covered patio; a 2-car garage and an attached RV garage. This home also offers wood laminate flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the driveway and walkway. Spring 2024 Move-in

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