Making an Offer: Strategies for Success

The Most Important Thing to Know When Making an Offer

Does the seller already have offers in hand, or are they expecting any? Knowing this will help you understand whether you’re competing against other buyers, which will shape your strategy.

How to Determine Your Offer Price

Start by understanding the market value of the home, validated by comparable sales. This will give you a clear idea of what a fair price is.

From there, adjust your offer based on the level of competition and how much you want the home.

Pro Tip: Ask yourself: “If I lost to another buyer by $5,000, would I be okay with that?” If the answer is yes, then you’ve likely found your ceiling.

Learn the Seller’s Motivation

What does the seller want most? Are they looking for a quick sale, a good family to take care of their home, or fewer contingencies? Understanding what’s important to the sellers allows you to tailor your offer to meet their needs, making it more attractive.

What if It’s My Dream Home?

If this is your dream home and you have to beat out other competing buyers, consider these strategies to make your offer stand out:

• Offer the highest price you're willing to pay, as sellers often prioritize price.
• Add favorable terms for the sellers, like waiving contingencies, adding appraisal language, including an escalation clause, offering to pay for the termite inspection, and other special terms that make the offer more appealing to the sellers.
• Use the strategies in this guide to maximize your chances of standing out and winning against competing buyers.

Submit an Offer with a Pre-Approval Letter

Submitting your offer with a pre-approval letter and verification of cash funds gives sellers confidence in your ability to purchase.
Pro Tip: Have your lender (if applicable) call the seller’s agent directly to provide further confidence in your financial ability to purchase.

Write a Personalized Letter to the Seller

Sellers who have lived in their home for a long time often want to know it will go to someone who will care for it. A personalized letter can humanize you and help the seller see you as more than just another buyer.

Real Life Story:

We helped our client secure their dream home despite facing multiple competing offers—including one that was $100,000 higher. What made the difference? A personal connection. The sellers and our buyers shared the same high school, college, and dental school, and the sellers saw a reflection of themselves 30 years ago.