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Six Tips to Help You Get The Home You Want
With a soaring demand for homes in the US and little to choose from, forming an offer that will stand out can be the reason you secure your dream home. Here is a list of pro tips that can help you beat the competition this year.
- Show them you are financially ready.
In today’s market, you will likely need to make an offer that exceeds the asking price to get the home that you want. Even just a few thousand dollars extra can be the reason for winning or losing out on a home. Your real estate agent will likely be able to give you a good estimate of how much you will need to go over the asking price, however, sometimes you will naturally have a good idea.
2. Put yourself in the seller’s shoes.
A seller will usually be reviewing and comparing the multiple offers that are on the table. You will want to position your offer to stand out among the rest in any way that you can. They will be looking closely at the offer amounts, length of escrow, and any leaseback periods or contingencies. Place yourself in the mind of the seller and think about what their goals are to get a better idea of how to work with your budget, and turn your offer into the strongest version of itself.
3. Get pre-approved for the specific home that you want to purchase.
With multiple offers, sellers want to make sure that at the end of the day, the sale will go through. A pre-approval letter will show the seller that you are not a risk and give you higher ground to work on. In addition to your pre-approval letter, ask your lender to write you one that is specific to the home you are attempting to purchase.
4. Eliminate any Contingencies.
Sellers want to close as quickly as possible so keeping your contingencies as short as possible will eliminate ways for a buyer to back out of a deal. If you can’t remove a contingency altogether then see how you can shorten its timeline while remaining protected from any risks.
5. Be flexible with timing.
Agree to a closing date that accommodates the seller’s needs. Working your schedule around the sellers is a way to set yourself apart by showing that you value their time.
6. Make it Personal.
It’s not always easy for sellers to part with their homes, so they often will want a buyer that will love it the way they do. Adding any kind of personal touch is likely to be appreciated, and shows them you are serious about sealing the deal. A handwritten letter introducing yourself to explain why you love the home can be an effective method. Sending them flowers and a family photo can help create a personal connection as well.