Short answer
A strong offer is clear, credible, and matched to what the seller actually needs. Price gets attention; terms and certainty often win.
Know what the seller needs
Sometimes it is the highest number. Often it is a closing date, a rent-back, or fewer conditions. We ask before you write, it's usually a combination of things. We also have simple, unique bidding strategies that help our clients win more often in bidding wars.
Terms that carry weight
A solid pre-approval, reasonable earnest money, a realistic closing date, and contingencies that are specific rather than open-ended. Not all deals are created equally, some sellers may want a longer closing to find their next home or pack, some may have already vacated and will prefer a sale that can happen asap, we can work with both and know what questions to ask to get your offer started on the right foot.
Protect yourself
Waiving an inspection to win may cost more in the long run, but its also a last ditch lever we can pull to win out. Be sure you feel confident about the home before diving in blindly. We encourage a safer approach, many inspections are 7-10 days long, we have inspectors that can usually make a 3 day contingency a reality. If you were a seller, would you pick the 10 day, or 3 day inspection?
What this means for you
Decide your walk-away number before you write. Competing is fine; competing without a limit is how people overpay. Make sure what ever you offer, its not so much, or so little, that you regret the results!
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General education from AM Realty MN, brokered by LPT Realty, LLC. Not legal, tax, or lending advice.