Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for a home in Birmingham, AL or a seasoned investor on the hunt for houses in Miami, FL , these 9 expert tips for making an offer on a house will help you stand out and improve your chances of closing the deal. Why pre-approval matters: It gives sellers confidence in your ability to close.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 17, 2025

. >>Read: 5 Ways to Win a Real Estate Bidding War without the Highest Bid How does it differ from other offers Unlike an initial offer, which may leave room for negotiation, a best and final offer is meant to reflect the maximum price and best terms you’re willing to offer—including contingencies, closing timeline , and financing details.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

MARCH 2, 2023

People who live here love the proximity to some of the west coast’s best beaches, as well as being close to destinations like Disneyland, Joshua Tree National Park, and the deserts of Palm Springs. Closing costs in California average about 1% of the home’s sale price , and there are other pre-paid costs you might have as well.

Closing

HomeLight

MAY 24, 2021

A step up from pre-qualification, preapproval often means the lender gives conditional approval, stating the size of the mortgage you’ve been preapproved for (though what constitutes a “preapproval” can vary from lender to lender). Get preapproved for a mortgage. Beyond that, think about how much you can put down.

Pre-qualification

HomeLight

AUGUST 31, 2021

submit your purchase offer with a pre-qualification or preapproval letter from a lender, these funds aren’t a sure thing until the loan is fully approved. If sellers get paid at closing either way, why is cash better? A cash buyer can close faster since there’s no waiting on funding. Though you can (and should!)

Due diligence

HomeLight

DECEMBER 14, 2021

Be sure and ask any agent that you’re interviewing about these qualifications. How many sales did they close in the last few months? If you email that agent to set up any sort of time or call them and they don’t answer or email you back promptly, it tells you how your sale is going to go. Do they have sales or listings pending?

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

JANUARY 4, 2022

iBuyers then allow the seller to close in as little as 10 days but can also provide longer move-out timelines for those who need the flexibility. These people may offer close to full list price, since they aren’t trying to make a profit on the property,” he says. You want certainty of the deal closing. Why sell to an iBuyer?

Investor