Ask yourself: Is this home move-in ready, or will it require repairs or upgrades to meet your expectations? If the answer is yes, estimate the cost of the renovations you'd like to undertake. Be sure to factor these costs into your offer.
Ask your agent for a comparative market analysis (CMA) of the home you're considering. Review the average cost per square foot of homes sold in the past 60 days, as well as those currently pending or actively listed. This information will help you make a more informed offer.
If you anticipate multiple offers, consider offering a higher deposit and obtaining an underwriter pre-approval from your bank specifically for the property you're interested in. This can help your offer stand out from the competition. Your agent can also suggest other strategies to make your offer more appealing.