How to Prepare for Making an Offer on a House

By Uncategorized October 28, 2019

So you’ve found the perfect house and you’re ready to move forward and make an offer.  The number you put forth is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the entire home-buying process, so before you make that offer, be sure to consider the following:

You might not be the only bidder.  Chances are, especially if you’re in a hot market, or simply on a desirable street in a particular neighborhood, that there will be a competing bid or two on the home.  If that’s the case, before you raise your offer, dig deep and decide what this home means to you.  If this is truly THE house for you, then go ahead and raise your bid if you can afford to.

Consider writing a letter.  While not effective in every situation, sometimes a personal letter to the seller can help make your offer more attractive.  Talk to your real estate agent to find out if the seller has a particularly strong emotional attachment to the home, in which case, a letter describing why the home means so much to you could make a difference.  For some sellers, it may mean a lot to know their home will pass on to someone who will love it as much as they do.

Be prepared for a counteroffer.  If the seller considers your bid too far below the asking price, they may come back with a counteroffer.  Take a deep breath, and keep in mind that the seller can only negotiate with one buyer at a time.  If you can’t afford their counter but are intent on pursuing the house, you can counter offer back.  If not, you may have to be prepared to walk away.

Know the circumstances of the seller.  A good real estate agent will work with the listing agent to determine the particular situation of the seller.  Maybe they’re relocating for a job and need to be out by a certain date.  Or maybe they’ve already bought another home and have a new mortgage looming.  Either situation can mean a quick closing date is slightly more attractive than getting top dollar, so make that part of your offer.

Be sure to discuss the many variables of making an offer with your agent – it’s not always just about price!

About the Author
Greg DiGiorgio, Arlington MA Realtor

Greg DiGiorgio is a highly reviewed Arlington MA Realtor who is a dedicated, passionate, and market-savvy professional who puts his clients’ satisfaction before all else. His attention to detail, superior people skills, broad knowledge of the real estate industry as a whole, and his pure determination to indulge his clients with first class service sets him apart. In addition to Greg being an Accredited Buyers Representative-ABR, he understands the power of creative, well-organized and highly effective marketing and offers customized marketing plans that maximize property exposure to the most qualified buyers. He has appeared several times on Fox 25 News where he was interviewed on current market trends and conditions. A real estate transaction is really about managing people, their desires and their finances. It is an intricate and consequential negotiation.


Greg understands that it is important to secure not only the most able buyer, but also to the one that is most likely to close the deal. When so much is at stake, Greg is the one you want to represent you. His fair yet aggressive negotiating style and protectiveness of his clients’ best interests and ultimately, their assets, has gained his respect with colleagues and clients alike.


Greg also knows that every transaction represents the most important purchase or sale a person can make, and he takes every precaution to ensure that communication is impeccable with all parties involved from beginning to end. Whether it’s patiently guiding first time buyers through this exciting process or following through with clients’ needs long after the transaction is over, Greg’s warm, caring yet efficient business style will turn you into a client for life.


Driven


Greg grew up in the Greater Boston area and has a deep appreciation for the North East way of life. He attended The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, with a concentration in Marketing Research. Greg’s professional background is rooted in the technology sales & marketing. As a result, he learned to adapt to many different people and situations quickly and competitively. The insight that he has gained from many years of involvement in bringing all components of a transaction together smoothly has granted him a unique perspective and approach to the real estate industry. His enthusiasm and tenacity has allowed him to emerge as one of Greater Boston’s finest Realtors, and one of the highest reviewed amongst Arlington MA Realtors!


My Goal


My goal is to provide the best experience possible to my clients while helping them achieve their real estate goals. My streamline systems and use of technology ensure a smooth ride along the way. Whether it’s a first-time buyer, a seller, or investor, I strive to gain lifelong clients and friends by providing them with a fun, relaxing, but yet educational experience throughout the entire process.


Objectives for my Buyer Clients


Counsel session to determine wants & needsSchedule times to view properties

Run comparable analysis report for subject property

Help negotiate terms of the offer

Provided options for home inspectors

Help negotiate & finalize terms of Purchase & Sale Agreement

Assist in finalizing finances with Mortgage Broker

Handle any other paperwork and/or tasks including meeting mortgage commitment deadlines to making sure the transaction closes on time.

I keep an open door policy with all my clients even after the sale should they have any questions, or need help with any of their real estate needs. The closing of a real estate transaction is not the end, but just the beginning of a relationship.


Objectives for my Seller Clients


Listen carefully to make sure your goals and objectives are clearly understood

Explain the home selling process thoroughly

Discuss agency relationship

Price your home accurately

Stage your home for sale

Plan & implement a proven & innovative marketing plan

Work diligently to sell your home quickly and efficiently

Follow up with open house leads & showing brokers to obtain feedback

Work hard to ensure that each step of the transaction is running smoothly

To ensure that all smoke & carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working correctly, and to obtain certificate from town/city

To obtain final payoff for city/town water bill

“Most Importantly to communicate with you consistently and efficiently throughout the entire home selling process”

Certifications and Recognitions


Winner of Leading Edge Real Estate’s Outstanding Creative Marketing Award. Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR)

Member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM)

Licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Broker

Member of Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB)

Member of National Association of REALTORS (NAR)

Zoning & Building Codes Certificate

Residential New Construction Certificate

Title V Certificate