Compare Sales. Do the math and don’t get hung up trying to get the cheapest price and end up losing the house.
Be aware of how long the house has been on the market. Sometimes this can indicate an issue with the property. It’s also possible that the seller could be more negotiable.
Accompany any offer you make with either a Pre-qualification or Proof of Funds letter. This lets the seller know up front that you are financially capable of buying the house.
When you submit the pre-qualification letter along with an offer, the letter should state the value you are offering, not the maximum you can afford. You don’t want to tip your hand and let the seller know what you can afford.
Be aware of the seller’s timeframe. You may want to have the closing date coincide with the seller’s needs. Do they need to move in time for a new school year? Is the home they are building going to be completed soon?
When viewing the house prior to making an offer, take note of any defects. Sometimes it is better to ask for repairs in the initial offer rather than waiting for the inspection.
