How to make an offer

Have the pre-approval letter in hand.  There is a BIG difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification.  Offers need pre-approvals.  The letter should either be for the exact amount you intend to purchase or for the specific address.  Do not show the seller a significantly higher or lower figure than your offer.  If you do that you will look either unable to afford the property, or if your offer is significantly lower than what you’ve been approved for you will have given away your bargaining power. Let your agent do the negotiations. Give them clear guidelines and be available by phone for questions, and start clearing your calendar for when the contract is ratified. You will have a lot of work to do that is time specific once the contract is ratified. The home buying process is labor intensive for all parties involved. You as the buyer will have a lot of reading, scheduling, thinking, and signing before closing escrow.

Escrow Tips: Stop buying things while in escrow. Remember your credit report will be thoroughly scrutinized. Don't use credit. Yes, you will need things for your new home but wait on those purchases for a month! Also, don't forget about the closing costs. While in escrow you will have to hurry up and wait a lot. During the waiting do destressing activities; pack, exercise, and see a movie.

Now that you've read up on the topic,
Next: It's time to talk with Tracy!