5 Ways to Make Your Home Offer Stand Out

Buying a house is a time filled with hope, anticipation, and possibly even a little anxiety. But making the right offer the first time can make things a lot easier. These tips can help make sure your offer is appealing and gets noticed by the seller, so you can move on into that new home you've been waiting for.

1. Get loan pre-approval.
   A pre-approval means the finance company has done a more in-depth investigation of your finances, and other buyers will have it. Especially when you're buying a house in a hot market or competing with cash offers, sellers will want proof that you can secure financing. When you're competing with other offers, not having a pre-approval letter will get your offer ignored quickly.
2. Write a personal letter.
   You likely don't know the sellers, so telling them why you want to buy their home can help them see you as a human, not just a dollar sign. And that may be just the edge you need. It can be a sentimental time for sellers. If their family has made many happy memories in that house, it can help if they know the person buying their home will be just as happy there as they were. 
3. Increase your earnest money.
   Since the purpose of earnest money is to show you're a serious buyer, make sure it shows how serious you really are. You could even double it, if you back out for any legally allowable reason, you'll still get your money back.
4. Offer quick inspection.
   In most areas, a house inspection can be arranged pretty quickly. So if you've already decided on a provider for that service, making a seller wait isn't necessary. It can also help the sale get to closing faster, a bonus for the sellers if they already have somewhere else to live or need to leave soon. 
5. Waive the repair contingency.
   It generally isn't advisable to waive the inspection contingency, but you don't have to require the seller to make the necessary repairs to close the sale. If you have money available for repairs and are willing to get them done on your own, waive the repair contingency. It may help close the sale faster. And the sellers will save money, which will always grab their attention. 

Buying that new home starts with making your best offer the first time. Making it competitive, flexible, and personalized is sure to get you noticed by sellers.

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