With inventory diminishing daily and multiple offers being very common, it is extremely important for you to positions yourself with a "best chance" offer the first time. If you found the perfect home, create an offer which tells the seller, "This is a strong and serious offer." You can enhance your chance of getting the home of your choice by doing the following:
Get pre-approved for the purchase:
This takes very little time and is of great value. At this time, identify the price range for which you qualify and fits your lifestyle.
Submit a strong competitive offer:
Submit the offer as if there will be multiple offers. The closer to the asking price you can see paying for the property, the better your chances are. If you know you will have some contingencies which will ask the seller to be patient, you should consider an offer above the asking price. The seller wants the "cleanest" deal possible. They are more likely to take a cash deal with no contingencies over a deal for a small fraction more, which has an increased possibility of falling through.
Include substantial earnest money deposit:
Acceptance of an offer is sometimes determined by the amount of the deposit. A larger amount signifies a bigger commitment to the seller. This increased initial commitment could buy you some comfort with the seller on some contingencies.
Minimize or eliminate contingencies:
The fewer contingencies, the stronger the offer. The less things which have to happen, to make the sale go through, the more confident the seller becomes with the offer.
Make a buyer profile available:
Time on the job, flexibility, reason for purchasing seller's home, etc.
Your strong work history = Loan approval
Your flexibility = Timely actions and responses. No closing date conflicts
Your reasons for purchase = Confidence in your real interest in the sale.
Be prepared to preview a new property quickly:
Homes sell sometimes in hours. Be prepared to make decisions quickly and be accessible to change the terms instantly.
Buyer and agent to have instant communication access:
Maintain instant access to each other via office phone, voice mail, email, fax, pager or cellular phone.