How to Make an Offer on a House: Your Guide from a Top Realtor in McKinney

Wow, you found it! That perfect house, the one that just *feels* right. Maybe it's the cozy fireplace, the spacious backyard, or that kitchen you've been dreaming of. Finding 'the one' is incredibly exciting, but then a little voice pops up, right? "Okay, now what? How do I actually make an offer on this house?" It's a question I hear all the time, and it's a big step. Don't worry, I'm Brandon Scribner, and as your guide in the Dallas-Fort Worth real estate market, especially if you're looking for a top realtor in McKinney, I'm here to demystify the process for you. Let's get you from "I love it!" to "It's mine!"

So, you're ready to jump in. "What's the first thing I need to do before even thinking about an offer?" Great question! Before we even look at writing anything down, the absolute first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a non-negotiable must-do. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you're serious and financially capable, giving your offer significant weight. It also helps us understand your budget, so we're only looking at homes you can truly afford. Without it, your offer might not even be considered in a competitive market. I always advise my first time home buyers to tackle this early.

"Okay, I'm pre-approved! Now, how do I figure out the right price to offer?" This is where my expertise as a top realtor in McKinney really shines. We don't just pull a number out of thin air. We'll conduct a thorough Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This involves looking at recently sold homes in the area that are similar to the one you love – same size, same number of beds/baths, similar features. We also consider active listings and properties that went under contract quickly. As a Pricing Strategy Advisor, I factor in market conditions, the property's unique characteristics, and even the seller's likely motivation (e.g., are they relocating quickly, or is it an investment property?). My goal is to craft an offer that is competitive, fair, and positions you strongly.

"Is it just about the price, or are there other parts to an offer?" Absolutely not just price! While the offer price is crucial, a strong offer is a package deal. It includes contingencies, which are conditions that must be met for the contract to proceed. Common ones include a financing contingency (you get your loan), an inspection contingency (the home passes inspection), and an appraisal contingency (the home appraises for the offer price). We'll also specify the earnest money deposit (a good faith deposit), the desired closing date, and any personal property you want included, like appliances. Crafting these terms thoughtfully can make your offer stand out, even if it's not the highest price. I'm an Accredited Buyer Representative and a Real Estate Negotiation Expert, so I know how to structure these details strategically.

"Once we submit it, what happens next?" The waiting game begins! Sellers typically have a few days to respond. They can accept your offer, reject it, or issue a counter-offer. A counter-offer means they like parts of your offer but want to change others – perhaps the price, the closing date, or a specific contingency. This is where negotiation comes into play, and it’s a delicate dance. My job is to represent your best interests, advising you on when to hold firm and when to be flexible to secure your dream home. We'll work through each step together.

Making an offer on a house is a significant milestone, and it’s one you shouldn’t navigate alone. My personal insight from years in this business, helping countless families, is that having a knowledgeable, trustworthy professional by your side makes all the difference. Whether you're a first time home buyer or looking into real estate investing, my Home Buying Assistance is designed to make this journey smooth and successful for you. If you're ready to make your move in Dallas-Fort Worth or need a top realtor in McKinney, let's connect. I'm Brandon Scribner, and I'm always happy to offer a Free Consultation to discuss your home buying goals. Let's make that dream home a reality!