Being the winning bid can be daunting when you hear of homes attracting 20 to 25 offers over the course of a single weekend’s open house(s). In fact, it need not be as difficult as you may think.
Breakdown your offer
You may think that it is all about the money, but there is much more to it than just money. Can you offer to close the deal faster than other buyers? Are you asking for immediate occupancy of their home? Do you still need to sell your current home? Do you have to get everything you see or are there items you can do without? These are all things you can write into your offer to make it more palatable to the seller.
Determine the value
When making your offer, first determine the home’s true value. Does it have more upgrades than recent sales? Is there a view that other homes lack? Is there anything else you have to take into account? Also, how will losing out on this home make you feel?
Identify what can be offered
Can you let the sellers stay after the close of escrow, if necessary? Can you let them keep the item(s) they really like? This might be something as costly as a crystal chandelier or something as simple as the birdhouse that they built for the visiting doves? These thing may make all the difference to the seller while they are only coincidental to your purchase.
Make compromises
You may want to move in before your upcoming vacation or may want to celebrate Thanksgiving in the new home. Be prepared to give up on this desire(s) in order to give the seller the concession that will make yours the winning bid.
Pay attention to the details
When a seller sends you a counteroffer or verbally tells you their plans and/or needs, take the time to really listen. If you are unsure you understand what they are saying or why, ask them to clarify it. If they are taking the time to tell you about this, it is important to them. It may seem like a minor item to you but for them it is important.
These simple steps can make all the difference when it comes to being the winning bid. If you need help to get a mortgage and/or in buying a home, contact me at 760 622 5087 or [email protected]
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