We know how hard it is to find your dream home. And we know that there's nothing worse than finding it only to have your offer rejected by the seller. That's why our REALTORS® are dedicated to helping you make the best possible offer.

Making an offer on a house is a bit like walking a tightrope. Too low, and the seller is almost sure to reject it. Too high, and you'll end up paying more for your new home than you should. Use these tips to make an offer that the seller can't possibly refuse. 

How Making an Offer Works

It's natural to be excited about having found a great house, but at this stage of the game, it's important to be ready to negotiate, and even to walk away if you're not able to arrive at terms that feel right. Here's how the basic process of making an offer works:

• You make your first written offer, and the seller either accepts, declines, or makes a counteroffer.
• If your offer is accepted, you move on to the next step.
• If the seller makes a counteroffer, you can either accept or make a new offer.
• If your offer is refused, you can make a new offer (or move on and continue your house hunting).

Ideally, you will be working with a real estate agent who can handle a lot of this process for you, and offer guidance as you decide how much to offer.

Tips for Making a Great Offer

Ready to make that first offer? Keep a few things in mind before you do, and use these tips to fine-tune your offer:

1. Get pre-approved. One of the most important steps that you should take long before making an offer is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval lets the seller know that you're serious about buying, and gives you a solid idea of how much you can afford.
2. Work backward. With your real estate agent, figure out the maximum you're willing to pay and work your way backward to arrive at your initial offer.
3. Form a relationship. Being on good terms with the seller is a big help. You don't have to become lifelong best friends, but it will be to your benefit to form a relationship of mutual trust and respect.
4. Understand their motivation. Why are they selling the house? For some, it's all about the bottom line—money. But many sellers are in a rush to sell because of a new job or other lifestyle change. Others may be hesitant to move at all because of emotional attachment to the house. Understanding what motivates the seller helps you make a better offer.
5. Know the market. In a buyers market, you might be able to make a lowball offer and have it be accepted. But in a seller's market, that's not a wise move (especially if the seller is primarily motivated by money).
6. Avoid contingencies. Some contingencies are important—like making the sale contingent upon mortgage approval and completion of a home inspection—but avoid excessive and complicated contingencies, or the seller might decide that your offer is more trouble than its worth.
7. Be unemotional. We understand that buying a house can be an emotional process, but avoid allowing your emotions take control, and you're less likely to make mistakes or get taken advantage of.

Contact Wright-Patt Realty today to learn more about finding your dream home and making it yours. Our team offers the best Beavercreek homes, and we're committed to going above and beyond to make sure you get a great house at a great price.