Strategy for Buying the House that You Really Want.

1. Contact your lender about financing and get pre-qualified for a loan.

2.  Call the listing broker/agent and ask about the house.  Is it still available?  What is the current asking price? Is the seller offering any concessions with that price? Is the seller willing to finance?  If the seller is not offering any financing, ask the broker if they can supply lender contact info.  If so, call  lenders and compare with the info from your lender that prequalified you on interest rates and terms.  Make an appointment to view the house.

3.  Be prompt to your appointment.  Bring a pad to make notes and a camera to snap pics if the agent says that it is ok to do that.  Make notes as to what will work for you and what will need to be changed in the house.

4. Make the offer that you are comfortable making and is within the loan amount that you have been pre-qualed for.  Be sure that your agent/broker puts any contingencies in the offer that are necessary for you, such as a contingency upon you getting financing, etc.

Wait to see if the seller accepts your offer.  If so, schedule your inspections, etc and stay in touch with your lender and broker/agent to make the steps to get to closing.

If the seller does not accept your offer, do you want to offer more?  Can you offer more?

If not, continue shopping.