How Do I Make an Offer on a Home

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How Do I Make an Offer on a Home

1. Work With Your Agent to Price It Right

Before anything is signed, you’ll want to discuss your offer strategy with your real estate agent. They’ll look at market trends and recent nearby sales—also known as “comps”—to help you land on a price that’s competitive but fair. In a seller’s market, you may need to come in strong. In a buyer’s market, there may be room to negotiate. Either way, your agent is your guide.

2. Submit a Written Offer With All the Details

Your offer isn’t just a price—it’s a full proposal. It will include:

  • The purchase price
  • Contingencies (like inspection or financing)
  • Your earnest money deposit

The proposed closing date
Your agent handles all the paperwork, but you’ll review and sign off on everything before it’s submitted to the seller. This is the official step that gets the conversation started.

3. Be Ready for Negotiation

It’s rare for a seller to accept the first offer exactly as written. Expect a counteroffer and be ready to adjust. Your agent will help you decide what to stand firm on and where there may be room to compromise. The goal is to reach an agreement that works for both sides—and gets you one step closer to home.

Ready to Make a Winning Offer With Confidence?

📘 Download our free “First-Time Buyer Game Plan” eBook — includes an offer checklist and negotiation tips
💬 Chat live now with one of our loan pros about how to position your offer
📞 Or schedule a call and we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect, step by step.

At Stairway Mortgage, we don’t just help you make an offer—
we help you make the right one.

Ready to Take Your First Step?

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