Negotiating a Winning Offer

When it comes to home buying, having an agent that represents you, exclusively, can really pay off!

The typical real estate agent represents the seller. He or she works to sell property for the highest possible price and get the best deal for the seller. Do you want this real estate agent representing you? Can you trust them to negotiate on your behalf?

Absolutely not! We, at Jebb & Driggin, represent buyers only, so our interests are never divided. Our mission is to get YOU the best possible price.

When you make an offer on a house, the seller can accept it, reject it, or counter it. If the offer is too low, the seller might reject it outright; this is absolute worst thing that can happen. Once an offer is rejected, negotiation is dead. When a seller counters an offer, he or she names a price or other specifications that are more in line with his or her expectations.

If a property is in high demand, it may receive several offers. Then the seller may choose to accept the highest offer or the one from the most qualified buyer.

When you work with a buyer's agent at Jebb & Driggin, you receive personal attention. We guide you through every step of the art of negotiation.

When you find the home you want to buy, it is important to make your offer as attractive as possible. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

*Be pre-approved by a lender, not just prequalified. This strengthens your position.

*Push for an early closing date; this will be attractive to a seller because they will get their money more quickly. In a situation where the seller would prefer a later closing date, this puts you in a stronger bargaining position.

*Provide a substantial earnest money deposit. This is "good faith" money that shows the seller you are serious about the property.

*Limit your contingencies to those most important to you, such as financing, inspections, and the sale of your current home if necessary.

Practical Considerations for Buying a Home

Buying a home is an important decision that will have a major effect on your lifestyle. It is probably the biggest financial transaction you will make, or at least the biggest that you have made this far. There are some specific considerations to take into mind before taking this major step:

*Be realistic--There are no perfect homes. Decide what is important to you and make sure you find a home that has the features you need and want. You may need to compromise on some of the items on your wish list.

*Decide on a price--Get preapproved for a home loan, not just pre-qualified. As I stated in last week's posting, preapproval shows the buyer that you are ready and able to buy. When deciding on a price, consider not only the amount of the loan the lender will allow, but also what you feel comfortable spending every month. Take an honest look at your budget, and once you have decided on that budget, keep it. Have a number in mind as your absolute maximum and do not go over that number under any circumstances. A good broker will not pressure you into spending more than you are willing and able.

*Choose carefully--buying a home is much more permanent than renting. Purchase a home that you are prepared to keep for a while. Select a home that you will reasonably be able to maintain, in both utilities and repairs.

*Don't Delay, Act!--Finding the right home could take a few hours or it could take a few months. When you find the right place though, you will know. If you like a particular home, chances are that other people are going to like it too. Since you already have your preapproval certificate, you are in a strong and ready position to make an offer. Your broker will work to get you the best possible price and terms.

Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: Which is better?

When you are in the market to purchase a home, you want to be in the strongest negotiating position possible. Although price is a very important negotiating factor, it is also important that you are able to prove to a seller that you are a strong buyer candidate.

A strong buyer is one who is pre-approved. Note the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification:

A buyer becomes pre-qualified by spending a few minutes, either by phone or in person, answering a few questions from a lender. Based on the answers you provide, the lender is able to pronounce you as pre-qualified and can issue you a certificate that you can show to a seller. In recent times, these certificates have become worthless to sellers, the reason being that none of the information is verified. It is only after pre-approval that a seller is able to vest their confidence in you, the qualified buyer.

Once you are pre-approved, you hold more bargaining power. The process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your situation. Pre-approval is the ultimate weapon, and all buyers should take the time to acquire it.

What can a Buyer's Agent do for you?

Jebb & Driggin Realty, Inc. is an Exclusive Buyers' Agency dedicated to representing buyers only. We do not solicit listings and will never assume obligations adverse to the buyer's interest.


An Exclusive Buyers' Agency is based on the common sense premise that no one can serve two masters. Unlike most real estate firms that represent the sellers’ interests, we, at Jebb & Driggin Realty Inc. dedicate ourselves to you—the buyer—and only you! We provide access to the entire marketplace, including properties for sale by owner. We are here to guide you through the entire home buying process, including appraisals, inspections, financing, and legal services. You can count on us to act as your advocate, negotiator and advisor.



A few key elements of a Buyers' Agency include:

• Working 100% for the buyer to obtain the best possible price and terms.


• Providing access to the entire marketplace using MLS, LINK and other listing services and including property for sale by owners.


• Acting as the buyer's advocate, negotiator and advisor.


• Providing complete analysis of each property of interest including future salability.


• Providing guidance and referrals for appraisers, inspectors, lenders and legal services.

And the best part: there is no additional cost for our services!

Please contact us at any time. We look forward to serving you and assisting in finding your ideal home.