{"id":6100,"date":"2020-07-29T12:00:08","date_gmt":"2020-07-29T19:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=6100"},"modified":"2024-01-29T17:38:05","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T00:38:05","slug":"how-to-make-an-offer-on-a-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/how-to-make-an-offer-on-a-house\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make an Offer on a House: Your Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Making an offer on a house isn’t as simple as just throwing out a dollar amount you’re willing to pay. If you expect to be taken seriously, there is an extensive home-buying process to follow — and you must be able to prove you can actually get the home loan<\/a> you need to seal the deal. An experienced real estate agent can be a priceless advocate when it’s time for you to make an offer on a house. This guide will help you understand how to make an offer on a house and what to expect in unexpected situations.<\/p>\n

Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Offer on a House<\/h2>\n

Making an offer on a house doesn’t just mean making a quick phone call (or worse, a text). Your purchase offer will actually be submitted in the form of a legally binding written letter and will have a lot more information than a single purchase price.<\/p>\n

When you’ve found the new home of your dreams online or through open houses and you’re ready to make an offer, the offer process will follow these steps:<\/p>\n

1. Contact Your Real Estate Agent<\/h3>\n

Once you’ve viewed a home and you’re sure you want to make an offer, you shouldn’t hesitate to get the ball rolling. You’re likely not the only buyer interested. Your agent knows time is of the essence and will let you know of any additional steps you need to take (like getting a preapproval letter from your bank) before writing up the offer letter.<\/p>\n

2. Write Up the Offer Letter<\/h3>\n

Your home is an important purchase, and the offer letter<\/a> is the vessel to get you to closing day. This letter will state the price you’re willing to pay, as well as all the details regarding the home purchase.<\/p>\n

Your agent’s expertise will be helpful here (especially for first-time home buyers) because there are many factors that influence the value of a home. They’ll help you learn about the local selling market, how long the home’s been on the market, and if there are additional offers on the home. After you determine your home offer amount, these details will also be added to the offer letter.<\/p>\n