Home Buying (Part 3) - Bidding On a House

Ok so now I found the house I like and meets all or majority of the criteria thatI am looking for. What is the best way to put a offer? How do I increase my chance of my offer being accepted.


1. Market Condition - Is this a seller's market? Seller may not consider lower price than his asking price. So study market condition before putting the offer

2. Previous Sale Prices of the house - Check what was previous sale prices of the house. Determine current comparables of similar houses in same area. You agent can help you get this information. Analize cost per square footage.

3. Items you would like to stay in the house - Usually permanent fixures like dishwasher , cabinates, bathtubs stay in the house. But there could be window treatments that owner may want to take with them even though they are well fixed !! You should make list of such things and put it in the contract.

4. Items you would not want to stay in the house - Some ugly storage cabinate that must go. Put that also in the contract.

5. Offer Price - Consider house as it with items you want to stay and items that should go away and put the price you think is reasonable.

If seller does not agree with any of the above items he/she can modify the offer and can make a counter offer. This may go back and forth couple of times.

Last but not least, do not get emotionally attached to the house. Be ready for a counter offer. And keep your options open.