- Be specific: Let your Realtor know exactly what is most important to you in a home so that you don’t waste your time seeing homes that don’t fit your criteria. Once you find the home that you love, submit a letter along with the offer letting the seller know what you love about the home and why it’s a good fit for you and your family.
- Get preapproved by a lender: Getting preapproved lets you know how much you can afford and also allows you to put in an offer more quickly. Your Realtor can also let the seller know you are preapproved which will help your case.
- Shop within your range: It’s a good idea to shop either within your price range or just under so that you are more prepared to make a full price offer or one slightly above asking price in the event that you enter a bidding war.
- Be flexible: No home is totally perfect. In order to get more home for your money, consider purchasing an older home that may need some work in exchange for more square footage versus a home in a newer neighborhood that is more expensive for the same square footage.
- Be ready: Be ready to go and see a new listing with little notice. Be prepared to make an offer when you think you have found the home that is perfect for your family. Once a seller accepts your offer, decide on a closing date that not only accommodates your family, but the seller as well.