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Making An Offer On A House: Understanding the Process

Makimaking an offer on a houseng an offer on a house may seem like a daunting task - if it's your dream home, you don't want to lose it with an offer that's too low. At the same time, you don't want to pay more than the property is worth. You want to end up the lucky buyer that got the most home for your buck!

Once you've made a decision on the home you want to buy, your real estate agent will draft a purchase and sale contract in your name that he/she submits to the seller's agent. The seller will then respond in one of three ways: accept the offer, counter with a higher asking price or reject it.

There are essentially 3 ways to make an offer: below price, highest and best and full price.

Below price offers are common in a buyers market where there is more inventory than buyers, so prospective buyers can try to skim 10% off the asking price of the property. Buyers can also sweeten the deal with a large deposit, guaranteed quick closing or accepting the present state of the home.

When sellers or their agents grow restless during negotiations they will often ask for your highest and best offer. Don't go out of your way to try and figure out how to make a much higher offer work with your budget unless you are 100% sure you want the property.

making an offer on a houseIf the home is absolutely the one for you and is worth the price, offer to pay the full asking price. Do you really want to lose the home of your dreams for $1000? Another buyer may show up happy to pay the full price.

Your real estate agent will guide you through making an offer and will recommend what to offer, what to ask for, etc. So do not fear, you don't need to go it alone!

South Burlington Lakefront Home Open House, Sunday 5/5, 1-3pm

This Sunday, May 5th, 2013 from 1:00-3:00pm, Geri Reilly Real Estate is hosting an Open House at 58 Bartlett Bay Road in South Burlington. Stop by to say "hi" and take a look around!

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

58 Bartlett Bay Road, South Burlington

Lake Champlain Homes for SaleShelburne Bay Colonial

Beautifully upgraded lakeshore retreat with 3 BR/2 ¾ BA, hardwood floors throughout, Chef's kitchen with granite counter tops and breakfast nook, great room with fireplace and lots of windows to take in the view, private master suite with walk-in closet and sitting area, back deck and screened porch, stunning views of Lake Champlain and 50' of prime lakeshore frontage great for swimming, docks or moorings.

MLS#4221971 / $925,000

Colchester Open House Sunday 5/5, 1-3pm

This Sunday, May 5th, 2013 from 1:00-3:00pm, Geri Reilly Real Estate is hosting an Open House at 128 Indian Circle #2 in Colchester. Stop by to say "hi" and take a look around!

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

128 Indian Circle #2, Colchester

Colchester TownhouseTucked Away Townhouse

Spacious 3 BR/1.5 BA townhouse with large galley kitchen with breakfast nook, formal dining open to sunny living room, spacious bedrooms, finished walkout lower level and 2 back decks overlooking yard with mature tree line. Cul-de-sac location within minutes  to I-89 and schools, short commute to Burlington.

MLS#4186312 / $214,900

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