Preparing the Offer

When you view a home on the market that you really want, you can hardly wait to be handed the keys. In fact, you may worry that the property will somehow slip through your fingers. Don’t be. You’ve got an expert by your side. Me. My job, as your real estate agent, is to ensure you get that home – and at a price that works for you.

The first step is preparing the Offer. This is the document I present to the seller that basically states the price you’re offering, as well as any conditions. Based on a conversation you and I have, I create a California Association of Realtors contract with the terms you indicate. This contract can be signed in person or online. If you choose online, I will always send a PDF version to you ahead of time so you can preview it before signing in the signing program Authentisign. I will also always include a summary of the salient points for ease in understanding the offer terms.

The price we go in with is critical. You want it to reflect the true market value of the property so the seller will take your offer seriously. On the other hand, you don’t want to go in too high and risk overpaying for the home. Depending on the prevailing market climate at the time, you and I together can decide the best pricing strategy but ultimately the choice is  yours.

Don’t worry. I know how to prepare a winning offer and get you the property at the lowest possible price. In fact, I look after your interests throughout the entire process.

How the Process Works

When you decide to make an offer on a home, here’s what typically happens:

• We decide on a  price that has the best chance of being accepted by the seller, without over-paying for the home.
• Obviously, sellers prefer offers that have no conditions. However, it is very rare in our area to have no conditions or “contingencies” as we call them here. Generally there are contingencies for Investigation (your approval of home inspections and anything else you want to check out. Insurance (you review insurance proposals and approve one to proceed with). Appraisal (optional if you pay cash but required for most loans – the property must appraise at or above the purchase price). Loan (final loan approval from your lender).
• I’ll prepare the necessary documents and present your offer to the seller and his or her real estate agent in the manner they request which is generally email.
• If the offer isn’t accepted, or if the seller makes a counter-offer, I’ll work with the seller’s agent, skillfully negotiating on your behalf to make a deal. You will approve and help me design a counter offer, or new offer strategy if that is required.
• I’ll communicate with you throughout the entire process. You’re never in the dark when you work with me.
• Once the seller agrees to a deal, I’ll help lead you through the timeline step by step including removal of any contingencies on a timely basis and closing the purchase.

I realize that making an offer can seem like the nail-biting part of the process. It doesn’t have to be. That’s the advantage of selecting a real estate agent who, like me, puts clients first. When you go after a property you really want, you can take comfort in knowing you have an expert on your side… someone who knows how to get that home for you.

Have questions about making an offer? Please submit the form below or call or email me. sharon@sharoncurrierealestate.com or 530.559.4439.