Making an Offer: How to Put Your Best Foot Forward

When you find the right home, the offer is where preparation pays off. A strong offer is about more than the number at the top.

Deciding on a price

We'll look at recent sales of comparable homes, how long this one has been on the market, and how much interest it's attracting. Together those help set a price that's fair and competitive.

Terms matter too

Sellers weigh the whole package. Things that can make an offer more attractive include:

• A pre-approval letter from your lender

• A deposit that shows you're committed

• A closing date that works for the seller

• Clear, reasonable contingencies

Contingencies protect you

Inspection, financing and appraisal contingencies give you a way out if something goes wrong. Waiving them can make an offer stronger, but it also adds risk — it's a decision to make carefully, not by default.

Be ready to negotiate

The seller may accept, reject or counter. A counter-offer is a normal part of the process. We'll decide together how to respond.