1. Get pre-approved

Before writing an offer – and ideally before you even begin your search – meet with your bank or other financial advisor; the one who will be giving you your mortgage, and get pre-qualified or pre-approved. When it’s time to put forth an offer, the seller will know it’s serious.

2. Understand the local context

List prices are often subjective. Look to your Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate sales associate to advise you on pricing strategy. In the end, it’s important that you know the real estate situation yourself to determine if the property is fairly priced, based on comparable, recently sold properties. There’s no rule of thumb that says going in under asking is expected. Market conditions will dictate the selling price. Keep in mind that homes will also occasionally be under-priced to attract multiple offers. This circumstance may call for a bid over the initial asking price.

3. Neighborhood Research. Covenants & Homeowner Associations.

Nobody wants to learn they moved into a "bad neighborhood," two weeks after they moved in. As with any move, research can and should be done especially if you're not already familiar with the local area. Many neighborhoods have local Homeowners Associations (HOA) and these are there to protect you and your investment. Ask a Ventura Barnett agent for information on any local neighborhood before you make an offer.

4. Make a strong deposit part of your offer

You'll want to submit an earnest money deposit when writing an offer, payable to a reputable escrow company, to be delivered by your agent no more than three business days after the acceptance of the offer. Even when delivering an offer below asking price, offer a large deposit if possible, and it will pay dividends in the end. Down payment strategies however may vary. In some areas, a smaller deposit is the norm. Regardless of location, a higher deposit will most likely strengthen your negotiating power.

5. Provide an appropriate time for the seller's response

Time is of the essence once you decide to take the plunge, especially regarding a newer listing in which the risk is high that other buyers will potentially submit offers. Typically, the seller is given until 5PM on the third day from receipt of the offer to respond, unless you write in a different date and time. If the offer is strong, speed up the response time. Your Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate sales associate can advise you on what strategy will work best.