What Should You Include with your Offer to Purchase?

When you decide to make an offer on a home that you intend to purchase, think about what accompanying information or documentation that might be a good idea to include. It might make the difference between you getting the home of your dreams and having the sellers overlook your bid, whether it's for an offer on the table  that seems "better on paper", or  the anticpation of a better offer to come.

Of course, there is certain information that is standard on any Offer to Purchase Agreement, but that shouldn't mean that you stop there.

Standard Information to be  included in your offer besides the property address and the buyer(s) and seller(s) name:

What personal property is to be included in the sale, and excluded for that matter-if anything.
One percent earnest deposit, and details on when  the remainder of the deposit  is to be paid.
Mortgage amount and contingency date.
Closing date.

Most agents, including myself will insist on a mortgage pre-approval letter that either has a dollar amount noted that is sufficient for the property, or tailored to the property address itself.

There are times when an introductory letter to the seller (that is prepared by either the buyer or buyer's agent) can be KEY to getting an offer accepted.

For example- If you are in a multiple bidding war (and it does happen , even in a buyers market)  then a short introductory letter to the seller that is included with your offer can set you apart from the competition- just because you or your agent took a few minutes to write it. What you would put in that letter is entirely up to and certainly ust be geared to that particular home and specific to the seller. Trust me, they all appreciate the thought.

Another example is when there is an absent seller who is unaware of the condition of the property. A few pictures say a thousand words, and so does your willingness to work with homeowners who have a property that is in need of repair. The same works with a price adjustment. That is something that I have done, and will continue to do for my buyer clients.

It can really boil down to the little things which can make all the world of difference when it comes to buying or selling a home successfully.

Leave no stone unturned, and no opportunity wasted.

And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.