If You Really Want the House, Go All In
When it comes to buying a home, you want to present your highest and best offer—but what does that actually mean? It’s not just about the number you put on paper. A strong offer is about confidence, strategy, and understanding what the seller needs.
1. Work With a Strong Realtor
Your realtor should be confident, experienced, and ready to negotiate on your behalf. They’ll help you craft an offer that stands out in a competitive market.
2. Don’t Lowball If You Can Afford More
If you’re pre-approved for $500,000, don’t offer $485,000 just to save a little. Someone else will likely put in their max offer—and you could lose the home over a small difference. If you’re serious, go all in.
3. Show Strength With Your Down Payment
During the purchase and sale (P&S) agreement, you’ll need to put down a deposit. While you can offer the bare minimum, putting down more shows sellers you’re a serious buyer who won’t back out.
4. Negotiate Smartly—Not Aggressively
Before submitting your offer, bring in a contractor to check out the property. That way, instead of requesting an inspection to nitpick repairs, you can waive inspection contingencies (or keep it for informational purposes only). This tells the seller you’re not here to “nickel and dime” them—you just want to understand what you're buying.
5. Consider the Seller’s Needs
Flexibility can set your offer apart. Does the seller need extra time to move? Would they prefer a faster closing? Being open to their timeline makes your offer more attractive—even if it’s not the highest.
At the end of the day, the best offer isn’t always the one with the biggest number. It’s the one that gives the seller confidence that you’re the right buyer. So if you really want the house, go all in.
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