In Northern Virginia the competition for listings is strong. Not as crazy as the height of the market but in many cases listings will bring multiple offers.
For buyers that means working closely with a buyer’s agent to craft the best deal you can on your dream home. Recently while reviewing offers on a listing in Woodbridge the book “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” came to mind.
Make an offer that is to low and your offer most likely will not even be considered. What is to low? If the average percentage of list price to sales price in a neighborhood is 97% and you make an offer for 80% of list price you can be fairly well assured your offer will not be considered.
If your offer is too high you may end up in the same pile. Let’s face it appraisals are tight in today’s market. Lenders aren’t financing just any deal and want proof not only of your financial qualifications but the value of the home you are buying as well. Just as before if the list to sales ratio is 97% and you offer 120% a savvy seller will know that your offer won’t pass muster with an appraiser.
Finally there is the just right offer. Not only does it fall in the parameters of the list to sales price ratio but it comes with a strong lender letter, a solid earnest money deposit (EMD), has reasonable requests on contingencies and seller subsidies.
If you are searching for a new home in Northern Virginia give me a call at 703-346-2213. Let’s talk about how to craft the Just Right offer that will get you in your new home in 2010.
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