Five Tips for Making a Great Offer on a House: Insights from a Brandon, Florida Real Estate Agent
While in the process of searching for a new house, have you come across your dream home? If so, you’ll want to put the absolute best offer on the table so that you can move forward with the deal. But how do you go about staying within your budget, but achieving what you want? Take it from a Brandon, Florida real estate agent — here are five ways to make sure a seller looks closely at your offer:
1. Submit proof of ability to pay.
You should provide the seller with proof of payment in the form of a pre-approval letter, or proof of funds from your financial institution of choice. This gives the seller peace of mind knowing that they are not losing out on other offers while your financing is still being secured.
2. Offer a realistic price.
Many home buyers incorrectly assume that if they “low ball” the seller, their unrealistically low offer will be accepted. What often happens here is that the seller will outright reject a low offer and accept a better one. After all, your low offer makes a better offer look...well, better. The best way to avoid this is to have your Brandon real estate agent conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) on the home, and put your best offer on the table first. This way, you’ll have a better chance of having your offer accepted and closing the deal.
3. Limit or remove contingencies on your offer.
When it comes to adding a contingency clause in your real estate purchase agreement, make sure that you have only the terms and conditions that are the most important to you. Standard home buyer contingencies include inspection contingency, financing contingency, appraisal contingency, title contingency, and home sale contingency.
4. Make a large earnest money deposit.
“Put your money where your mouth is.” If you are serious about your desire to own this Brandon home, put down a sizeable earnest money or “good faith” deposit — anywhere between 5% and 10% of the agreed purchase price — to show the seller that you’re serious. This deposit will be applied to the total purchase price, including closing costs. Talk with your real estate agent about Florida’s rules and regulations regarding earnest money amounts.
5. Write a personalized note to the seller.
Tell the seller why you want their house. Whether you want to raise your family there or use it as a vacation home, tell them your plans for it. Also, tell the seller why you believe your offer stands out among the rest, and why it should be considered first. Your real estate agent should be able to help you write and deliver this letter to the seller.
So, to recap, the best way to make an offer on a Brandon home is to provide proof of ability to pay, offer a realistic price, keep the offer clean and straightforward, place a large earnest money deposit, and write a personalized note to the seller. If you follow these steps, you may soon find yourself saying, “Home Sweet Home!”
Looking for a professional real estate agent in Brandon, Florida?
If you are looking for a professional real estate agent in Brandon, Florida, to make the best offer on a house, turn to Lisa Matheny, Realtor with the Dalton Wade Real Estate Group. Bringing a wealth of insight on local communities, current market trends, and the home buying and selling process, Lisa can offer guidance and advice on what you need to know when buying or selling a home.
Are you thinking about making an offer on a Brandon house, or selling your current home? If so, contact Lisa Matheny today at (863) 412-6633 to get started.