
Going on a house hunt can be a lot of fun, but once you've found that perfect home, it's time to get serious. Just as importantly, it's time to let the seller know you're serious about buying their home. Our REALTORS® want to make sure you don't miss out on your dream home, so are five tips on how to make an offer that the seller can't ignore.
- Get Pre-approved
Securing pre-approval for a mortgage is an important step that you should take long before you start looking at houses. This accomplishes two things. First, it gives you a solid idea of what your budget is, which prevents you from falling for a home you can't afford. Second, it lets the person selling the house know that you are a serious buyer, and not part of the "just looking" crowd.
- Make a Solid Offer
Making strategically low offer has its time and its place, but trying to low ball the seller will get you nowhere in a seller's market. In the face of tight inventory and stiff competition from other potential buyers, it's a good idea to make a solid offer upfront. Maybe not your absolute best offer – it's good to have a little bit of wiggle room – but close to it.
- Give It a Personal Touch
Getting to know the seller is a great way to gain an upper hand over other buyers. Visit the open house and talk to them in person, asking questions not just about the house, but about why it's special to them. It can also help to include a personal letter when you make an offer, as long as it doesn't come across as insincere.
- Pay More Upfront
Offering all cash to buy a house is unrealistic for most of us, but you can still let a buyer know you're serious by offering to pay more upfront. Scraping together a larger down payment is a good way to get on the seller's good side, but it has another advantage as well – it means you will end up paying less interest on your mortgage, which will save you money in the long run.
- Don't Get Emotional
While it's important to be willing to make a serious offer, it's just as crucial that you don't let your emotions get the best of you. It's easy to feel a lot of pressure when you find a perfect house and want to lock it down quick, but be careful. Getting too emotionally invested in a house makes it easy to get taken advantage of, and wanting to place the winning bid is no reason to pay more for a home than it's worth.
If you're looking for Brighton homes for sale, it's important to know how to make an offer like you mean it. It's also useful to have a little help along the way. Contact Griffith Realty today to learn more about how our team can help you make your dream home a reality.