FIRST OFFER IS OFTEN BEST OFFER
How many times have you heard "I don't want to take the first offer that comes along"? There is a lot of validity to that statement. However, like so many other "rules" we live by, there are always exceptions. It is important to look at the big picture before arbitrarily making a statement like that.
It has been proven over and over again in real estate, that more often than not, the first offer is the best offer. The mistake I think many buyers and sellers make is that there is so much more to an offer to buy a house other than price. It's your Realtor's job to help you look at all of the criteria needed to make and/or accept a good offer on a property.
MAKE AN OFFER WORTH CONSIDERING
When making an offer to purchase a property, it is important to not just think of what you are trying to gain, but put yourself in the shoes of the sellers. What is their motivation to sell? What can a buyer offer that will make their offer get accepted over someone elses offer?
The terms of an offer can be more appealing than the purchase price. I was recently involved in a multiple offer situation. Some offered a higher price than the others, but the highest price offer was not the one that was accepted. The lower price offer included a free rent back to the sellers for 8 weeks. This was extremely important to the sellers, because it allowed them to stay in their house until their new house was finished. Not only did they have free rent, but the offer eliminated the need to store their furniture, find a short term rental, and it gave them breathing room!
INSPECTIONS AREN'T BAD THINGS
Home inspections, termite inspections, roof inspections, the list is never ending. Some people shrug when they talk about them, but stop and think about why they are so important. A buyer doesn't want to move into their new home, only to find themselves getting wet during the first rainstorm. If someone pays top dollar for a house, they don't expect the wood trim on the house to be infested with termites. Inspections are meant to find the things that need repair, and to reassure the buyer that other things have been well maintained. It's important to remember, though, when you are not buying a new house, you can't expect it to be in the same shape as a new house.
When reviewing the results of the inspections, be reasonable when asking a seller to make repairs. Look at those things that are safety issues and have a significant impact on the structural integrity of the house. A buyer shouldn't expect the seller to make everything in the house perfect just for them. If you want everything brand new, go buy new construction and pick out everything you want.
THE BIG PICTURE
The first offer can be the best offer if you take the time to look at the big picture. Price is important, but
so are terms, motivation, business sense, and respect the buyers and sellers have for each other.
FIRST OFFER IS OFTEN BEST OFFER 
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