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The 4 Dos and Don’ts for Submitting an Offer on a Home

If you plan to put in an offer on a home, there are certain things you should do—and other things that you shouldn’t.

First, think about what the seller wants and then put those items into your offer.

“One way buyers can structure their offer is to think from the seller’s point of view,” said real estate salesperson Jerry Ashcraft of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty in Mount Dora, Fla. “It’s not always going to be the listing price.”

You may also want to schedule a speedy inspection, so you can move for a faster closing.

However, you may also want to be as flexible as possible with timing. If the seller wants a fast close, you want to be accommodating. If they need more time in the home, you may want to extend the closing.

Ashcraft also warned against waiving inspections to make your offer more appealing. You want to know the condition of the home and if there are expensive repairs you will need to make.