Seal the Deal: Art of the Offer
Josie Dvorken, DRE #02085290 – Equity Union Real Estate
Once you identify a home you want to buy, you can submit an offer, which is an agreement to pay a certain price for the home. This offer is bundled together with a Verification of Assets and Pre-Approval Letter.
Price and Terms
How much you offer depends on several factors, including the condition, the length of time on the market, buyer activity, and the Seller’s urgency. While some Buyers want to make a low offer to see if the seller accepts, this often backfires because the Seller may feel insulted and decide not to negotiate at all. Meanwhile, another Buyer with a more realistic offer could purchase the home you wanted.
We’ll work together to write an offer you’re comfortable with that gives us the opportunity for acceptance. Typically, you will not be present at the offer presentation. I will present it to the listing agent and/or Seller on your behalf. The Seller can then accept, reject, or counter the offer. The Seller is more apt to choose your offer over others they receive if you are competitive on price, flexible on the date you want to take possession of the home, and flexible with your contingency periods and terms.
Note: if your offer is lower than the list price or includes terms not acceptable to the Seller, they will likely return with a counteroffer at a higher price and/or acceptable terms. Then you can accept, reject, or make your own counteroffer.
The Negotiations
In a Buyer’s market, there is more room to negotiate and possibly receive terms more
favorable to you. But if we are in a Seller’s market, be prepared to move quickly and offer terms more favorable to the Seller. I will provide advice throughout the process and also negotiate on your behalf, with your best interests in mind.
Earnest Money Deposit
After your offer is accepted, you’ll be required to make an earnest money deposit in accordance with the agreed-upon terms. The amount is typically 3% of the purchase price, and it ensures Sellers that you are a serious Buyer ready to move forward.
Josie Dvorken is a marketing consultant, creative director, and licensed real estate professional serving the Coachella Valley. With a background in photography and design, she brings an innovative, story-driven approach to real estate marketing. As a Marketing Consultant for The Leiterman Group at Equity Union, she helps shape the team’s brand and community presence. Josie also founded Desert Nesting, a lifestyle magazine that celebrates the people, homes, and neighborhoods that make desert living so distinctive.
Josie Dvorken | DRE#02085290 | Equity Union Real Estate
44-495 Town Center Way, Suite B, Palm Desert, CA 92260
