For more information about the author, click to view their website: Jude Creamer / HomeSmart
Congratulations! You’ve been searching for the perfect home, putting so much time and energy into the process, and now you finally found a home where you can see a future for yourself. But chances are if you love the home, another potential buyer probably loves it too. So before you take the leap and make an offer, here are some tips that you should keep in mind to stand out from your competitors and easily seal the deal.
The most influential component of an offer is the price you propose to pay for the home. Work with an experienced agent to come up with a strong offer that makes sense for you and the seller first. Otherwise, your feelings of excitement and impatience can quickly become impulsive decisions, resulting in a weak offer that hasn’t been thoughtfully prepared. Here are a few tips to make sure that your emotions don’t get the best of you when setting a price.
Research the Market
It’s never a bad idea to understand what the home is selling for when you make an offer. But at the same time, the listing price isn’t everything. Instead of basing your offer off of one number, take the time to see what similar homes in the neighborhood have sold for and compare. Understanding how this all works together can be difficult if you are doing it by yourself, so we recommend that you use an agent to help you. Agents will do the market research for you and help you create an attractive offer based on sales of comparable homes in the area.
Research the Seller
While market statistics can indicate what the price a home might sell for compared to others, this doesn’t take an individual homeowner’s situation into account. What if the seller is struggling to find a new home and wants to delay closing? Or maybe they are being forced to leave their home for relocation reasons and need to get the transaction done as soon as possible. By taking the time to do a little extra research on the individual home and its seller in addition to the market, you may be able to find the motivations behind the sale and craft your offer more appropriately.
Buying a home takes more than a simple exchange of money for property. There are several costs that go into the process of buying a home that you will need to account for before you make that decision – especially if you want to save yourself from stress later on.
A down payment can be one of your largest upfront expenses, no matter what type of mortgage you decide on. You might opt for a conventional mortgage with a 20% down payment or a loan insured by the Federal Housing Association (FHA) with as little as 3.5% down. But no matter what you have to pay upfront, it’s best to start saving early and prepare for a large expense. Even a 5% down payment on a $200,000 home, for example, is still $10,000 – that’s nothing to laugh at. If you aren’t sure how to start saving, think about the small steps you can take, whether it’s setting aside tax refunds or not going to Starbucks as often. The little things can really add up!
It’s also important to save for those monthly payments that come after the down payment. Whether you decide on a loan that has a shorter or longer term, monthly payments are an ongoing expense that you need to account for. If you have a conventional loan and didn’t put down 20% upfront, your lender will likely require you to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) as part of your monthly payment. Annually, this expense may make up 0.5-1% of the cost of your loan and serves to protect your lender if you stop making payments. But no matter how much you put down initially, you want to feel confident that you have the means to make a full payment every month.
Don’t forget closing costs! This chunk of money will go toward all of the important steps that ensure your home is ready to live in. According to Realtor.com, closing costs account for anywhere from 2% to 7% of your home’s final price.
These are all expected expenses, but what about those unexpected costs? Unfortunately, homes don’t have superpowers and are always prone to unforeseen issues. The garage door could suddenly stop working, your oven could die on you or a big storm could damage your roof. These are all problems that might need a quick fix, and if you don’t have any emergency savings that you can contribute, you’ll be left scrambling.
It’s important to think about any contingencies you have and clearly spell them out for the seller and the seller’s agent. These include any outside requirements that must be met before you can complete your end of the transaction. There are a few common contingencies that are included in many offers, like inspections and appraisals, that protect buyers in case the home has issues that weren’t initially stated. Therefore, it’s a good idea to include contingencies like these to ensure that you can change your offer or back out if needed.
At the same time, be mindful when stating your contingencies. If you end up having too many, it’s possible you might turn off the seller. Sellers often see contingencies as obstacles in the transaction, so if you have a long list of them, it might put a red flag on your offer. Work with your agent to decide what you really need before you can buy a home and focus on those rather than your list of wants.
Earnest money can make you stand out in a pool of competitive offers, because it shows a level of commitment from buyers. By putting down earnest money, you’re agreeing to pay the sellers a deposit before buying the house––whether or not you actually go through with the transaction. Therefore, it’s important to be serious about the home you’re making an offer on. According to Realtor.com, paying 1-2% of the home’s purchase price in earnest money is normal for most markets. However, in competitive markets this amount could be up to 10%. This is another reason why it’s so important to use an agent. They can help you determine a competitive amount based on your market.
It’s common for sellers to be emotionally attached to their homes, and they want to find a buyer who will love it and take pride in caring for it as they do. To stand out against the rest of the offers, and show the seller who you are, consider personalizing your offer. Share your story. Include a message that explains who you are, what your family is like and what excites you about the home. Share what you’re most looking forward to experiencing in that house and what it would mean to you to call it yours. By making your offer personal, it will help the seller see you as someone who will love the home, rather than a mere name or dollar amount.
When creating a competitive offer, it’s important to move quickly because you never know how many other people are doing the same. If a seller sees an offer they like before they have seen yours, they just might accept it. So don’t put it off! After you see a home, be honest with yourself. If you can envision yourself living there, start working with your agent on an offer right away. But if there’s any hesitation, always look to your agent for clarity and guidance. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of the home and ensure that you move forward with intention, whether that means submitting an offer or not.
If you’re worried about everything getting done the right way, especially when you’re in a time crunch, you should be able to trust your agent. At HomeSmart, our agents have been carefully trained to understand every step of the offer process and make it as stress-free as possible for the buyer. Our agents understand that you’re human, which is why they won’t just help you write the offer, but they’ll take your thoughts and opinions into account while doing so. By working with a HomeSmart agent, you can feel confident in having a competitive offer that will secure the home of your dreams.
Listing your home in the late summer might sound daunting. But selling a home in August can be a good strategy, as the market is typically active with buyers motivated to move for the new school year or to settle in before the holidays. Make your property stand out with these easy-to-implement strategies.Leverage the Longer Summer DaysLonger days mean you have more daylight hours to show your home. Daytime showings allow sunlight to flood your rooms to better highlight architectural details, finishes and flooring. In general, natural light makes spaces appear larger, warmer and more inviting.Keep Up the Curb AppealFirst impressions are crucial. Youll need to be at the top of your outdoor maintenance game. That means grass is always cut, weeds are pulled and shrubs are trimmed. Other essential tasks include power washing the exterior, cleaning windows and touching up paint where needed. Work with your real estate agent to understand the best way to bump up your curb appeal within your budget.Show Off Your Outdoor SpacesMaybe you have a spacious deck or a thriving garden. Its worth spending a little time staging these areas to highlight them as extensions of your living space. Be sure these spaces are clean, inviting and free of weeds or debris. Consider adding some outdoor lighting to create ambiance and emphasize features like walkways, trees or sitting areas.Add Seasonal TouchesTurn up the summertime charm with a few easy touches both outdoors and indoors. Add late-summer blooming plants like asters and mums near your front door. Place fresh, seasonal flowers around your home to add color and fragrance. Incorporate pillows and throws in late summer colors like deep yellows and oranges. Another appreciated touch: Add a tray of lemonade and glasses to your counter or island for open houses or showings. Lastly, August can get hot and muggy! Keep your air conditioning running at a comfortable temperature so your guests have a distraction-free touring experience.With a few extra steps, you can capture the magic of summer season and help potential buyers picture themselves relaxing on your deck with a cool drink. Remember these buyers are highly motivated, so make your property the one that shines!
Sellers, take note and embrace the holiday joy! If youre planning to list your home this season, early fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for the market. Youll face less competition and buyers will be highly motivated to settle into new digs in time to ring in the new year.1. Less CompetitionDuring spring and summer, there are historically more homes on the market. During the holidays, there are typically fewer listings, making it easier for your home to really stand out and shine to potential buyers.2. More Serious BuyersAmid the hubbub, people are extra busy gift shopping and attending celebrations. Consequently, youre not likely to get many just-looking buyers. Anyone home shopping during the holidays will be more focused and more likely to make a strong initial offer.3. End-of-Year Financial AdvantagesFinalizing a home sale before the end of the year can provide potential financial benefits, such as deductions on property taxes, mortgage interest and other home-related costs. 4. Job Relocation SeasonSince January is a common window for job relocations, buyers may need to settle into a city and home by the end of the holiday season. Your home may be the answer to their relocation prayers!5. Faster ClosingsSince everyone is busy decking the halls, buyers and sellers will both be interested in moving things along expeditiously. And because all the professionals involved for a sale will have fewer closings on their plate, your transaction will get even more attention.6. Cozy VibesWhile winter weather can be daunting, nothing beats coming in from the cold to a warm, cozy home adorned for the season. Just turn up the heat, have a yummy treat in the oven and be sure to keep your sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Along with your festive outdoor lights, youll appeal to buyers sentimentality with all the decorative touches.Listing your home during the most festive time of the year can lead to more serious and qualified buyers and a fresh start for the new year. Contact your local Coldwell Banker agent to get a jump start on listing your home in time for the holidays.
Going green is easier than you think! Small changes around your home can make a big impact on the environment, your health and your bank account. Try implementing these affordable ways to improve the overall quality of your home life.Insulate and Seal DraftsAdding insulation to your attic or walls can reduce energy loss and also keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Sealing gaps around windows and doors prevents drafts and saves energy.Install a Programmable ThermostatConsider installing an upgraded thermostat, which automatically adjusts the temperature based on your schedule. The result is that you conserve energy when youre not home and optimize comfort when you are.Unplug Electronic DevicesWhile youre sleeping, did you know your devices might be driving up your electricity bill? Even when powered down, plugged-in items like computers, countertop appliances, video game consoles and other electronic gadgets could be gobbling up energy.Consider Energy-Efficient AppliancesIf your budget permits, consider upgrading your dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine or other appliances to more energy-efficient models. While theres an up-front cost, you can save money over the long term. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Energy Star program, household appliances account for nearly 11% of energy use in an average house.Switch to LED LightingReplacing incandescent bulbs with LED lights will reduce energy consumption and lower your electricity bill. Savings are significant. For example, Energy Star-certified LED lighting uses 90% less energy than incandescent lighting and lasts 35 to 50 times longer.Close Curtains and BlindsHeres a simple tip that wont cost you a dime! On hot, sunny days, keep your blinds or curtains closed to keep the heat out and reduce AC use. In colder weather, close window coverings to minimize heat loss.Establish Eco-Friendly Cleaning RoutinesChoosing biodegradable or non-toxic cleaning products will reduce the number of harmful chemicals in your home. You can even make your own cleaners using pantry staples like baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar. Establish other good habits, like only running the dishwasher or washing machine when its a full load to cut down on energy use.Green living is achievable with some simple steps. Not only will you reduce your environmental footprint, but your home will be more comfortable and youll reap tangible cost savings over time.
Empathetic Support for Out-of-State FamiliesNavigating the complexities of transitioning a loved one to assisted or independent living from afar can be daunting. As someone who has faced similar challenges firsthand, I understand the emotional and logistical hurdles, particularly when it comes to managing the sale of your parents' home. Your Trusted Local Ally: Providing Care and GuidanceI'm Jude Creamer, and I offer a holistic solution tailored to ease the burden of handling real estate transactions from a distance. Based locally in Bradenton and Sarasota, I provide the compassionate support and professional expertise needed to ensure a seamless transition for you and your family. With my personal insight and a dedicated team, we'll prepare the property for sale and oversee the entire process with meticulous attention to detail. Peace of Mind, Even from AfarRecognizing the challenges of managing estate affairs remotely, I offer a comprehensive service that relieves the stress of long-distance property management. You can trust that I'll manage every aspect of the sale process diligently, allowing you to focus on other priorities while knowing your loved one's home is in capable hands. Support Every Step of the WayFrom arranging necessary repairs to staging the property for maximum appeal, my team and I handle every aspect of the sale with professionalism and care. Understanding that distance can pose limitations, I strive to provide personalized support that aligns with your family's needs and preferences. Methodical and Effective ExecutionNavigating estate transactions requires a systematic approach, and I'm equipped with the resources and expertise to ensure a smooth and efficient process. With a deep understanding of the local market and industry dynamics, I work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Schedule a Consultation TodayWhen you're ready to entrust the sale of your parent's home to a compassionate and dedicated professional, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's collaborate to make this transition as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on ensuring your loved one's new living situation is optimal for their next chapter.
Empathetic Support for Out-of-State FamiliesNavigating the complexities of transitioning a loved one to assisted or independent living from afar can be daunting. As someone who has faced similar challenges firsthand, I understand the emotional and logistical hurdles, particularly when it comes to managing the sale of your parents' home. Your Trusted Local Ally: Providing Care and GuidanceI'm Jude Creamer, and I offer a holistic solution tailored to ease the burden of handling real estate transactions from a distance. Based locally in Bradenton and Sarasota, I provide the compassionate support and professional expertise needed to ensure a seamless transition for you and your family. With my personal insight and a dedicated team, we'll prepare the property for sale and oversee the entire process with meticulous attention to detail. Peace of Mind, Even from AfarRecognizing the challenges of managing estate affairs remotely, I offer a comprehensive service that relieves the stress of long-distance property management. You can trust that I'll manage every aspect of the sale process diligently, allowing you to focus on other priorities while knowing your loved one's home is in capable hands. Support Every Step of the WayFrom arranging necessary repairs to staging the property for maximum appeal, my team and I handle every aspect of the sale with professionalism and care. Understanding that distance can pose limitations, I strive to provide personalized support that aligns with your family's needs and preferences. Methodical and Effective ExecutionNavigating estate transactions requires a systematic approach, and I'm equipped with the resources and expertise to ensure a smooth and efficient process. With a deep understanding of the local market and industry dynamics, I work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Schedule a Consultation TodayWhen you're ready to entrust the sale of your parent's home to a compassionate and dedicated professional, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's collaborate to make this transition as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on ensuring your loved one's new living situation is optimal for their next chapter.
Empathetic Support for Out-of-State FamiliesNavigating the complexities of transitioning a loved one to assisted or independent living from afar can be daunting. As someone who has faced similar challenges firsthand, I understand the emotional and logistical hurdles, particularly when it comes to managing the sale of your parents' home. Your Trusted Local Ally: Providing Care and GuidanceI'm Jude Creamer, and I offer a holistic solution tailored to ease the burden of handling real estate transactions from a distance. Based locally in Bradenton and Sarasota, I provide the compassionate support and professional expertise needed to ensure a seamless transition for you and your family. With my personal insight and a dedicated team, we'll prepare the property for sale and oversee the entire process with meticulous attention to detail. Peace of Mind, Even from AfarRecognizing the challenges of managing estate affairs remotely, I offer a comprehensive service that relieves the stress of long-distance property management. You can trust that I'll manage every aspect of the sale process diligently, allowing you to focus on other priorities while knowing your loved one's home is in capable hands. Support Every Step of the WayFrom arranging necessary repairs to staging the property for maximum appeal, my team and I handle every aspect of the sale with professionalism and care. Understanding that distance can pose limitations, I strive to provide personalized support that aligns with your family's needs and preferences. Methodical and Effective ExecutionNavigating estate transactions requires a systematic approach, and I'm equipped with the resources and expertise to ensure a smooth and efficient process. With a deep understanding of the local market and industry dynamics, I work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Schedule a Consultation TodayWhen you're ready to entrust the sale of your parent's home to a compassionate and dedicated professional, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's collaborate to make this transition as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on ensuring your loved one's new living situation is optimal for their next chapter.