What should I offer on this property?

This is a very common question from a buyer to a REALTOR. Perhaps before you get to this question you should ask them 3 others:

1. What would be nice to have in your next property?   3 answers please?
2. What do you have to have in your next property?    3 answers please?
3. What do you absolutely not want?                          3 answers?

By asking these questions when a buyer asks you to choose which house they should buy
you can refer to your notes and show them that they have already chosen the property
based upon the answers they gave you at the start unless there has been a change in
their needs. After being in the position of seemingly having to answer that impossible question
you can see why I avoid it today with this useful tool. They appreciate it too.
The reminder saves the day.

Most good REALTORS will do a market analysis for the buyer so that they have some idea of the price per square foot or the average salesprice in a given neighborhood. When they decide to make an offer and perhaps have a counter or a second counter offer this is the time most REALTORS get anxious for the buyer, as they know that it may very well fall apart now. This group of questions will straighten up and clarify the risk for most buyers so that they can make educated decisions and isn't that part of the job? 

1. How much do you like the property?
2. How HOT is the market in general? In this area?
  In this price range?
3. How common are multiple offers?
4. At what percent of the list price are most properties
  selling? Average nationally has traditionally been 97%.
5. Is the property priced fairly? Is it comparable with others
  you have seen of the same size, condition, and amenities?
  What does a market analysis show?
6. Are your requirements for floor plan, number of bedrooms,
      lot size, etc. common or rare in your price range?
7. What other concessions are you asking for?
8. How much will your down payment and monthly payment
 be affected by a difference of $500, $1000, $5000, or $10,000
 in sales price?
9. If another offer comes in while you are writing or
 negotiating your offer, are you willing to lose the property
 to someone else?
10. Is your Option Fee and/or Earnest Money large enough to make a difference?

Based upon their answers usually a buyer can use the questions to measure their position, feelings and choose to move forward or not.  It helps with motivation and perceived value to have this list handy at the time a negotiation might begin.