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

11041 W Irma Lane Sun City, AZ 85373

$499,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,231 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6681886

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful age restricted community. As you walk up to this home, you will find a welcoming entry way. Inside you have a quaint living and dining area. To the right, there is a room which can be used for either a sitting area or office space. There are wood shutters throughout. The home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and lots of storage. The main bedroom is spacious with a sitting area and private exit to the patio. The main bath has two sinks, 2 walk in closets with a separate tub and shower. The kitchen offers a large open area with a breakfast area. The exterior has several fruit trees, a private backyard great for entertaining, lots of mature trees and beautiful landscaping. Corner lot on a cul-de-sac street. 3 car garage with a service door and built in storage cabinets

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14803 W Buttonwood Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$499,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,550 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679820

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to this updated San Simeon model with 2550' of spacious living. 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths. New tile/baseboards throughout with carpet in bedrooms. New master shower, lighting upgrades, pull-out shelves in kitchen and master bath. Water treatment system and R/O system are owned. The large laundry room is set up with abundant storage w/ a great craft/hobby area. New interior paint 2024 Enjoy two private outdoor retreats w/ a front courtyard off the master bedroom or the covered back patio with built-in outdoor kitchen. The oversized garage includes a separate golf cart garage. The landscaping system was reworked with new valves, controls and backflow. To add to the mature plantings the landscape rock was just replenished. The home has solar to keep your electric bills low! See full list of improvements in Documents tab.

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22375 N Celtic Avenue Maricopa, AZ 85139

$499,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,653 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6680848

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this spacious 5-bedroom home in Cobblestone Farms! Nestled on a corner lot, it displays a desert front yard, RV gate, & a split 3-car garage. Discover a formal living room and an inviting dining/family room that opens to the kitchen! Built-in appliances, solid-surface counters, a pantry, recessed lighting, ample wood cabinetry, and a large island w/breakfast bar complete the culinary space. Natural light filled the spaces, complemented by archways, designer paint, and tile & soft carpet t/out. Main bedroom has outdoor access and an ensuite with a separate tub/shower & a walk-in closet. One bedroom, with a double-door entry & sliding doors to the back, is perfect for an office. Enjoy relaxing in the private backyard w/a covered patio, DIY firepit, & a grassy area! Move-in ready!

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2120 N 125th Avenue Avondale, AZ 85392

$499,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,751 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687869

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This charming single family home located at 2120 N 125th Ave in Avondale, AZ was built in 1996. With a spacious finished area of 3,751 sq.ft. spread across two stories, this home features 2 full bathrooms, 1 half bathroom, and ample living space. The property sits on a generous lot size of 9,791 sq.ft., providing plenty of outdoor space for relaxation and entertaining. Don't miss the opportunity to own this wellmaintained and inviting home in a desirable neighborhood. This house features solar panels (please call for additional information). Seller will pay $5,000 for buyer's closing cost.

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4818 W Ellis Street Laveen, AZ 85339

$499,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,606 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688126

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

HUGE DROP IN PRICE FOR QUICK SALE!!! MOVE IN READY. See this beautiful 2 story Laveen Home in a great neighborhood! It features 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Living Room, Family Room, Dining Area, Open Island Kitchen and granite countertops! Low Maintenance Front and a large grassy backyard - a great playground! A detached guest house (or office or shop. This is a super home for a large family AND for entertaining!

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159 Park Street Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$499,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,894 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691196

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

TASTEFULLY REMODELED! Modern comfort meets convenience in this charming home nestled on a large corner lot. Providing 3 beds, 3 baths, lush front yard, & carport parking spaces. Highly upgraded interior boasts fresh neutral paint, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, and wood-look flooring w/plush carpet in bedrooms. The spacious living & dining room features a fireplace & picture windows for tons of natural light! The spotless kitchen boasts SS appliances, quartz counters, recessed lighting, a breakfast bar, & ample shaker cabinetry. Main bedroom has a walk-in closet & an ensuite w/dual sink. Versatile den is great for an office. Moving outdoors, tranquility awaits in the backyard! A covered patio, built-in BBQ, mature trees, storage shed, & a fenced area complete the picture. Move-in ready!

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5020 S Citrus Lane Gilbert, AZ 85298

$499,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,471 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692727

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this impeccably maintained, low-maintenance home in Trilogy at Power Ranch. All major systems in the home replaced within 5 years; including the roof, HVAC, and paint. This large premium lot home offers the luxury of no rear neighbors for added privacy and no interior steps for easy access. Enjoy Trilogy's vibrant lifestyle with amenities such as golf, swimming, bocce, tennis, pickleball, fitness center, restaurant, and much more. Guard-gated for security during the day. Perfect for a lock-and-leave lifestyle, whether for seasonal visitors or full-time residents. Experience resort-style living at its finest in this vibrant community.

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12340 W Rosewood Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$499,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,635 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6617974

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Lightly lived in, attractively upgraded Tuscan 'Flora' on corner lot with mature landscaping. TURNKEY OPPORTUNITY—furniture & furnishings available by Separate Bill of Sale. for $1. The many upgrades include LARGE FLOOR TILE throughout except carpet in bedrooms, HONEYCOMB top-down/bottom-up window coverings, wall of stunning built-in cabinetry in den, spacious garage w/4-ft. extension & attached cabinets, workstation, utility sink, & a HIGHLY UPGRADED KITCHEN. The beautiful eat-in kitchen features GRANITE SLAB countertops & full granite tile backsplash, rich honey-stained maple cabinetry w/ rollouts, GE Profile appliances PLUS Frigidaire refrigerator-NEW 2019, stainless industrial pull-down faucet-NEW 2023 & pendant light fixture-NEW 2021. . Exterior paint-NEW 2024. Enjoy meals looking looking out at the courtyard & outdoors through the SLIDING GLASS DOOR to the courtyard or go out for morning coffee. The primary suite has a SLIDING GLASS DOOR to the back patio. Both baths have attractive TILE countertops on tall cabinets and TILE surrounds in the tub/shower (guest) & shower (primary). Primary bath is also upgraded with heavy duty shower doors & elevated toilet. The great room is light & bright with a wall of windows with views of the backyard. The extended back patio with Kool decking & lush landscaping create a relaxing environment. The BUILT-IN GAS BBQ with GRANITE SLAB work area offers more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. This home is located in award-winning gated, 55+ Trilogy at Vistancia with 5-star-resort style amenities at the 35,000 SF Kiva Club with indoor & outdoor pools, fitness center, day spa, cafe, billiards, meeting rooms, library, tennis courts, pickle ball, bocce ball, events & a plethora of activities to choose from. Outstanding Gary Panks-designed golf course is woven throughout the original part of the neighborhood. The Mita Club has additional outstanding community amenities. Easy access from Trilogy to the 303, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, Lake Pleasant & Paloma Park, Peoria's huge new community park loaded with amenities.

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5077 N Granite Reef Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$499,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,680 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6650331

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

End unit townhome directly south of the pool. Townhome was renovated by current owner with new flooring, paint, appliances, etc., as well as the 1st master bedroom and bathroom being completely remodeled. Townhome features 2 master bedrooms. 1st master has a walk-in closet, with a 2nd closet. There is a half bathroom downstairs. Private back patio, 2 reserved parking space and an outside storage/shed unit. Less than a 5 minute drive to old town Scottsdale and walking distance to Chaparral Park, Chaparral Lake and the Greenbelt. Perfect home for a young professional, winter home, or 2nd residence

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2201 W Valhalla Court Anthem, AZ 85086

$499,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,616 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686568

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your desert oasis in the gated community of Anthem Country Club! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features beautiful desert landscaping enhancing the curb appeal, setting the tone for the tranquility within. At the front, a patio invites you to enjoy your morning coffee, to relax and soak in the warm Arizona sun. Inside, the great room greets you with its spaciousness, complemented by a formal dining area and a kitchen that overlooks the living space, creating an ideal setup for gatherings and entertaining. The kitchen features ample cabinet space and a convenient pantry, providing plenty of room for all your culinary essentials. The primary bedroom is generously sized and grants direct access to the backyard retreat. Its ensuite bathroom features a dual sink vanity, a separate tub and shower, and a spacious closet space. Outside, discover a backyard sanctuary complete with a covered patio with ceiling fans, perfect to help stay cool on the warm sunny days, a built-in BBQ for grilling. Unwind in the spa, surrounded by serene natural beauty. As part of the Anthem Social Membership, residents gain access to a variety of Club facilities and amenities, including tennis courts, pickleball courts, a fitness center, a resort-style pool, and more! Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience Arizona living at its finest in this captivating Anthem home.

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15989 N 74th Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

$499,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,975 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685842

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location...Northwest Corridor just min from Arrowhead Mall & 101. This Awesome home is now available located at Bella Brisa at 75th Ave and Bell Rd. The 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and bonus/flex room that offers the ability to work from home or workout room. Beautifully, finished kitchen with extended counter including gas range for the chef in you. The Primary room is oversized with beautiful bath and walk-in closet. The laundry room includes tall built-in custom cabinets. The backyard includes synthetic grass easy maintenaince. ome check out your new home! This community, located in North Peoria! Easy access to bike/running trails, hundreds of restaurants, shopping, ballpark, and entertainment. ALL just minutes away!

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980 W Santa Fe Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$499,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,056 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6651275

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WHOA no HOA! Invest today & ENJOY THIS SPACIOUS HOUSE ON A HILL w/ VIEWS of the Beautiful Bradshaw/Weaver Mountains*BACK COVERED PATIO provides shade for enjoyable afternoons. GAS bib for GRILL! Natural Light pours into the Bathrooms & almost every room from TUBULAR SKYLIGHTS! Several Mature Trees * RV Gate to the Large Fenced Backyard * Spacious 2,056 SF home on a quiet street * Large Foyer*Formal Living Room* Large Open Kitchen w Island *Custom Oak Cabinets * Cultured Marble Windowsills & Niches * Corner Sink w Outdoor Views * Breakfast Nook w/ Views to the North & East * Nice LG Refrigerator/Freezer * Cozy Gas Fireplace nestled in the Family Room*LARGE WALK IN CLOSETS*PRIMARY ENSUITE*TONS OF STORAGE SPACE* Full wall of Built-in Cabinets, UTILITY SINK & Work & Tool Station in Garage!

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