Special offer

BUYER APPEAL: 11 Keys To Make A Purchase Offer Sellers Can't Resist

Reblogger
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Preferred Properties Land & Homes #18909

Tom Gilliam has written a wonderful article about how to make a purchase offer sellers can't resist. If you are looking to buy, make this sure and give this a read, and also make sure to have the right agent by your side to represent you and help you get the best deal!

Original content by Tom Gilliam- RE/MAX Classic 314578

cake11 Keys To Make A Purchase Offer Sellers Can’t Resist

In today’s local real estate market, a “simple” purchase offer is not “just” about price. Savvy buyers know that crafting a unique offer can make the difference between getting that perfect home… or losing it to another buyer.

Our local market is changing daily. That’s why it’s critical today to take the market pulse like a heart monitor. As local specialists, our insider information is invaluable for buyers like you to nail down the final details no matter if this is a first home — or the next of many.

Buyers looking for a home in a seller’s market need to be educated, savvy on home values, prepared to make a swift and compelling offer, plus they must know how to stay cool and not over-pay should a bidding war erupt.

From experience, here are some essential tips to craft purchase-offer appeal that can make you a proud — and happy — new homeowner.

Market

In the neighborhood where you want to buy, are you facing a seller’s market (fewer homes for sale, more buyers), buyer’s market (many homes, fewer buyers) or a balanced market (number of homes about equal to number of buyers)? Having a clear understanding where you stand in the current market can help you be aggressive or compromising in shaping an acceptable offer for a particular home.

Our specific market data will be your guide:

How many months’ supply of homes is available? Less than four months is a seller’s market, more than six months’ supply is a buyer’s market, and in between is a balanced market, as defined by the National Association of REALTORS®.

What is the current trend of home-selling prices? Knowing prices are rising or falling can help you not over-pay. Paying too much risks a low appraisal that could kill your deal.

Sales-price-to-listing-price is another key percentage. If homes are selling at listing price, buyers face a seller’s market. On the other hand, if the sales-price-to-listing-price is a wide spread, buyers may find sellers more willing to accept a lower price than no offer at all.
Motivation

Why is the seller selling? Moving up? Relocating? Downsizing? Estate sale? Is the seller underwater or does he or she have so much equity that price is not paramount? The more you know about the seller’s situation, the more you can tailor your offer details to meet the seller’s needs. Often, what is most important to the seller is revealed in counteroffers and negotiations. Buyers can respond with attractive terms while adjusting other details more important to them than to the seller.

Price

Remember: A smart offer comprises more than the bottom-line price. Sellers examine the entire contract to weigh a buyer’s “net” offer. Is the buyer asking for closing costs, special accommodations, requests for items in the home and so on? These little “extras” can cost the seller money and can make a buyer’s offer look less inviting because the offer price is ultimately being chipped down, little by little, compared to offers with no special requests.

Accommodations

Buyers who want their offer to stand out are flexible on closing dates. If you really want a particular home, whether you get it in three weeks or three months may not make a huge difference to you. Sellers have their own schedule, and if you can adapt to that schedule, your purchase offer (if all else is equal) will have an advantage. Avoid the temptation to ask to move in early, delay closing or change any normal schedule that would lessen your chances of having your offer accepted — especially if other offers are available that don’t request such accommodations.

Contingencies

In an ideal world, sellers prefer a “clean” contract: full price, all cash or pre-approved financing, few to no contingencies or inspections, flexible closing date. In short, the fewer hang-ups in the offer, the better. Financing delays can derail a contract, which is why many sellers prefer buyers with mortgage pre-approval. Offering to have various inspections (home, pest, radon, energy, etc.) done during the first days after offer acceptance also makes your offer more appealing.

Earnest Money

 

The amount of money you offer with your purchase contract also indicates how committed you are to buying that particular home. The larger the earnest money deposit, the more you look like a serious buyer. We will guide you on local practices.

Days On Market

Sellers new on the market with a price set by recent comps may firmly stand by their price and terms compared to a home that’s been on the market for some time. An offer right after a home has been listed could also be in competition with multiple offers — and today’s buyers need to know how to make their offer stand out to win.

Vacancy

If the home is vacant, you may have a little more bargaining power than on a home that’s still being lived in. If a vacant home means the owners have already moved on and are carrying the costs of the home while living elsewhere, you have a bargaining advantage. Buyers may be able to get special accommodations (including a lower price), but if the market is tight and homes are selling quickly, it’s less likely.

Conveyances

Depending on local custom, appliances may or may not convey with the sale. Specifying exactly what personal property is included or excluded with the sale is important. Smart buyers sometimes request property to convey in their offer but later sacrifice that fridge, chandelier or play set in exchange for gaining another point that bridges a last gap, such as price.

Personal

If you face stiff competition from other buyers, consider a personal appeal to the seller. Sometimes a heartfelt, handwritten letter — sharing how you’ve fallen in love with the home because it is perfect for your family and ideal for your personal circumstances — can make a difference with the right seller.

Professional

To craft the best offer, buyers benefit from working with top local real estate professionals like us. We can help you put together the perfect purchase offer — and counteroffers — to guarantee you end up with a great purchase agreement that saves you money and time.

Homes2MoveYou.com

Tom Gilliam

Re/Max Classic

248-790-5594

http://Homes2MoveYou.com

Comments (4)

Kathy Stoltman
Ventura, CA
RETIRED

Tom, did a great job of outlining the points to make an offer very attractive to the sellers.

Aug 01, 2013 04:39 AM
Fred Hernden, CMI
Superior Home Inspections - Greater Albuquerque Area - Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque area Master Inspector

Wow, the Personal key opened my eyes. Almost like begging the seller to let you buy his home. Things sure have truned around!

Aug 01, 2013 10:09 PM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Excellent choice for a re-blog. He builds  quite a case for getting an offer accepted.

Make it a great weekend!

Aug 02, 2013 03:03 AM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Very nice post to re-blog. He is eloquent in his speach, and thorough in his advice.

Aug 28, 2013 05:49 AM