A home buyer makes an offer on a house, generally by submitting a purchase and sale agreement through a real estate sales professional, who is required by law to give it to the seller. The elements that potential home buyers should consider in preparing their offer include the market value of the home, any special circumstances surrounding the sale of the home, how much they can afford to pay, and the condition of the home.
Make sure that the offer price reflects any needed repairs to the house and any special contingencies, such as the results of a home inspection and obtaining financing. Also include what you expect to stay in the house (e.g., window coverings, appliances, etc.).
The real estate sales professional and/or an attorney generally work with home buyers to include important items in the offer. Once the offer is presented to the seller, the seller may accept it, reject it, or make a counteroffer. If the offer is accepted, the home buyer has completed the first steps toward the purchase of a home.
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