| If you're looking to buy a home, and the | | | | Be aware that any deadlines you try to |
| market has more homes than buyers, it | | | | initiate will only be a turn-off to the |
| can be hard to get the attention of the | | | | seller. If the ball is in their court, |
| seller of a home you love. Many sellers | | | | they're not going to go out of their way |
| have multiple offers in on their home, | | | | to adhere to your deadlines. Similarly, |
| and their goal is to get the highest | | | | if they put deadlines on you, realize |
| possible price, with the simplest terms. | | | | that they can still accept another offer |
| Here's how you can compete: | | | | while waiting for your response. So if |
| Offering the highest bid isn't the most | | | | they give you a counter offer, or give |
| important thing, but it certainly helps. | | | | you a term to negotiate, it is important |
| You need to decide what exactly your top | | | | to respond to them as quickly as |
| budget is for a home. Then, decide how | | | | possible. Otherwise you risk them |
| much you really want that particular | | | | turning to someone else. |
| home. Is it really as perfect as you | | | | Further, if this is a seller's market, |
| think? Is it worth offering more and | | | | and you desperately want a particular |
| rushing a sale? If so, go ahead. | | | | home, don't nit pick the seller about |
| I mentioned that having the highest | | | | repairs. You may get away with |
| offer isn't the most important thing. | | | | requesting a small fund set aside for |
| How can money not be the most important | | | | some outstanding repairs that the seller |
| thing? Well, if their are sticky terms | | | | is aware of, but don't try adding a |
| attached, even the highest offer can | | | | clause that gets the seller to fix it |
| look risky to a seller. If a buyer has | | | | before the sale goes through, or the |
| to sell their home first, the seller | | | | chances of them taking another offer are |
| sees that they could be waiting months | | | | high. They want to move on, not start |
| before their sale is final. A couple | | | | something new. |
| thousand dollars lower an offer but an | | | | Finally, be sure you are pre-approved |
| immediate sale might look far more | | | | for a mortgage. This gives your offer |
| attractive. This can work to your | | | | legitimacy, and lets you know exactly |
| advantage if you are able to buy | | | | what your bidding maximum is. Plus, it |
| immediately with no delays or strange | | | | could help a sale go through faster-if |
| clauses, even if your offer isn't above | | | | that's what the seller wants. |
| anyone else's. Alternatively, the seller | | | | From the writing team of Stephen and |
| may want a delayed sale for reasons of | | | | Alice Proski, accredited Scottsdale AZ |
| their own. Being flexible to their needs | | | | Realtors. Visit his website for |
| will serve you best if it's truly the | | | | Scottsdale Arizona real estate listings. |
| home you need. | | | | |