buyers might be interested in the same home you are, picturing themselves and their future living there. Sellers often consider multiple offers at the same time, and will make a final decision based on the best offer—for them, not you.
So how do you make sure your offer stands out?
• Be financially prepared. If you’re already pre-approved for financing, your offer is automatically more attractive to the seller. This is a guaranteed method for gaining the upper hand over other offers. • Bid close to the asking price (not too far below or too far above), particularly in a seller’s market. Putting in an offer that’s close to the asking price can save you time in the counteroffer process. • Review your contingencies. Think about what you might be willing to concede. The fewer stipulations you have, the more appealing your offer. • Consider making a significant “good faith” deposit to prove your commitment and demonstrate your seriousness.
DO Be Prepared to Walk Away.
This strategy might be a hard pill to swallow, but sometimes the best thing to do is walk away from a potential deal. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, all parties involved cannot come to an acceptable agreement that everyone is satisfied with. And if you think you’re making too many compromises and concessions, or offering a price that you know isn’t affordable for you to live comfortably in your retirement, then it’s OK to say no. There are 156
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