August, 2022
You should spend some time considering your offer and the reasons why you’re making it before committing to the decision.
Remember, there are many ways to buy a house, so each method may require a different bidding or offer process.
From the importance of doing your research to how to look like a serious buyer, we've provided a few suggestions on how to make an offer on a house in 2022.
The best place to start is by researching the area and any similar houses that have the same number of rooms and features. Websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla may be listing similar properties. Don’t look at the marketed price, go for the properties that have sold already (just because a house is on the market for £500,000 doesn’t mean that is what it will sell for).
Sellers will usually put their houses on the market above the house’s actual value. This is because it is common for buyers to offer a lower price to begin the negotiation process.
Don’t go straight in with your maximum bid as, if the seller comes back with a counteroffer, you won’t be able to go any higher. Be realistic with what you can afford. Alternatively, don't go in too low as the seller might just dismiss you completely.
To let the seller know you’re a serious buyer who doesn't want to waste valuable time, start your mortgage application, if required, before you look at properties. If you make an offer and don't have a mortgage in principle, the chances of the offer being accepted are slim to none.
Most estate agents will ask you during the viewings if you have everything ready in place. By having your mortgage in principle, you will look like you're ready to go ahead with the sale.
You should talk to a conveyancer before you make an offer so they can prepare for your case. Your conveyancer will also provide you with sound advice on the process and what to expect. This will also make you look like a serious buyer to the estate agent and seller. Once your offer is accepted, they'll be prepared and ready to go, helping to keep the process moving along nicely.
Explain why you offered the amount you did, how you factored in other houses nearby, and their sold prices.
If you offer a low amount, consider explaining the reason why. Perhaps the house needs serious repair work that will affect its value.
If you’re a first-time buyer, not part of a property chain, or are a cash buyer, you’re going to have an automatic advantage over other buyers as this will likely be a quick conveyancing process. Highlight these facts about yourself and make them well known.
By being a motivated buyer, the seller will take you and your offer seriously. Many buyers will overlook a slightly lower offer than others if you can move straight away. Let the seller know why you're moving.
While having an offer accepted doesn't make the purchase legally binding, you should do your research before making a serious offer on the house. Ask yourself the following questions and don't forget you can ask the estate agent too:
When making an offer on a house, you should put your offers in via your estate agent. It's their responsibility to take each offer to the seller and then come back to you on their decision.
Putting an offer on a house can be nerve-wracking, especially if you are a first-time buyer. However, you will find that doing an extensive amount of research and collecting evidence to support your offer will make the process a bit easier.
You should always put your offer in writing through an estate agent - by letter, email, text, WhatsApp if you have these numbers available. Don’t put in an offer verbally without any written proof to back this up.
To make your offer stand out, why not write a letter to the seller detailing why you want to buy their house and the reasoning behind your offer. This is a more personal approach, allowing the seller to get to know you and making you stand out over other potential buyers.
Many people put their first offer in at 5% to 10% below the asking price as a lot of sellers will price their houses above market value, to leave room for negotiations.
Don't go in too low or too high for your opening bid. If you make an offer that’s way below the asking price, you won't be taken seriously. Alternatively, if you go in too high, you could miss out on getting it for less.
The only reason you should offer more than the asking price is if you already know the seller has had offers on the house already or the house is priced at offers over and you know there has been a lot of interest in this particular house.
Work out what your maximum offer will be and make sure you don’t get carried away by bidding more than you can afford.
You don't have to have an offer accepted on your home before you make an offer on a new home, however, if you have sold your home already, you'll be more attractive buyer when you come to make an offer.
Once your offer has been accepted, ask the estate agent to take the house off the market, this will avoid being gazumped. Find out more about gazumping here.
You will need to make your offer subject to survey because if your survey shows any damage to the condition of the house, you can then further negotiate the price if you wish.
Remember, the purchase isn't legally binding until you have exchanged contracts.
For more information on buying a house in the current market place please contact us on 0121 430 4448 or email enquiries@hshomesofsolihull.co.uk.
