Putting an Offer on a House

You’ve found the home of your dreams — now it’s time to make an offer! But how do you make an offer on a house? And how do you know how much to offer on a house so that it’s both fair to you and attractive to the sellers? Don’t fret — we’ve got some tips to help you navigate the often confusing waters of house bidding.

Keep these tips in mind as you put in an offer for the home you want. Remember that your real estate agent will also assist you in writing and submitting an offer when the time comes. Between the help of your realtor and by following the tips below, you’ll have plenty of know-how and confidence to make an offer.

Put in an Offer With Pre-Approval

There’s a difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved for a mortgage. If you’re already pre-approved by a lender, then you know how much your lender is willing to give you for your mortgage. Knowing what you can afford is key, not only for making an offer on a house but for shopping within your budget. Another advantage of being pre-approved is that you will get a pre-approval letter from your lender, showing you’re ready to buy and have your financing lined up.

Make an Offer With Contingencies

Quite often an offer to purchase a home comes with some contingencies. Not having contingencies may make your offer more attractive, but in some situations they’re necessary. Examples of contingencies when bidding on a house include:

Home sale contingency. The most common contingency in a home offer is the sale of the buyer’s home. This means that the prospective buyer has to sell the home they’re living in before they’re able to buy a new one. Sometimes this can cause a delay — which the seller may want to avoid. However, for first time home buyers, this contingency isn’t an issue.

Inspection contingencies. While you can remove inspection contingencies to make your offer more attractive, you probably shouldn’t. Most buyers still want the property checked thoroughly by an inspector to make sure it’s sound and there aren’t any unexpected surprises. Having this clause is not likely to make your offer less attractive than others and you’ll appreciate the insight.

Have Earnest Money Ready

Buyers put up earnest money to prove that they’re serious about buying. It’s similar to putting a deposit on an item — you’ll get it back when you buy or you’ll lose it if you're the reason the sale falls through. That’s a real simplification, but you get the idea. A typical earnest amount is in the range of 1-2 percent of the asking price, but different types of property and different markets may drive demand higher. You may also want to offer more in earnest when making an offer on a home to prove you’re ready to buy.

A home purchase can be tricky due to the paperwork and legal requirements — and they vary by city and state. If you have a realtor working with you, they’ll be able to provide you with the appropriate paperwork. If you don’t have a realtor you may benefit from having a real estate attorney to help you make an offer on a house.

Choosing How Much to Offer on a House

We’ll admit, choosing the right offer price is one of the most stressful decisions of the home buying process, but there are a few tips you can keep in mind to help alleviate the pressure and better guide your decision for how much to offer on a home.

Once your bid has been submitted, the seller will review the bid and either accept, deny or come back with a counter offer. If your offer is accepted, it’s important to remember that the deal isn’t complete until the papers have been signed. It can be stressful to bid on a home you want only to be outbid or denied an offer. But remember — you’ve come so far in the home buying process. Be patient, positive and keep looking. Soon enough you’ll be turning the key to your first home!

Steps for First-Time Home Buyers

Not sure where to start when buying a home? Our first time home buyer guide explains what you need to know about buying your first home. Learn more today!

Back to Beginning >

Saving for a Home

Saving money is one of the most important steps to buying a home. Learn how to save up for a down payment for a house with our first - time home buyer guide

Chapter 1 >

Understanding Loans and Mortgages

Buying a house but confused by financing? Learn about the different types of home loans and mortgages with our first-time home buyer guide.

Chapter 2 >

How to Start Looking for a House

Starting to shop for homes but don't know where to start? Learn about what to look for when buying a house so you can find the perfect home for your needs..

Chapter 3 >

Putting an Offer on a House

Found the home of your dreams and want to place an offer? Read our tips for making an offer on a house and learn how much to offer to stay competitive in the market

Chapter 4 >

The Home Inspection and Appraisal Process

What can you expect from the home appraisal and inspection process? Our homebuyer guide is here to help demystify home inspection and appraisals. Check it out today!

Chapter 5 >

Understanding Homeowners Insurance

Choosing the right insurance policy for your new house is another important step in the home buying process. Learn about how homeowners insurance works and find the best coverage for your home today.

Chapter 6 >

What to Expect on Closing Day

Closing on a house is an exciting yet hectic time, but don't worry. Our closing day checklist and tips can help you succeed. Learn more from American Family.

Chapter 7 >

What to Do After Closing on a House

Congratulations! You've closed on your home and can start making it your own. But there are a few final steps you'll need to take. Use the following resources to make your transition into your new home as smooth as possible.

Chapter 8 >