Buying Single Family Home

[Jamel Brown]

First time buyer looking for a Single Family House in Jacksonville, FL. Location is everything so being closer to Craig Airport and the beaches is a priority. However due to the market everyone is buying above listing price. Any tips on how to make an attractive deal at listing price or less?

[Roger Loesel]

Jamel 

Congrats on buying your 1st house. To answer your question without getting into a lot of detail is to make the offer a win-win. Give a larger earnest money deposit. Do away with any buyer contingencies - If it was me I would ask for an inspection of the property but do away with asking the seller to make repairs. 

Have an air tight offer for the seller but base on what works for you. With an escape clause in case, something doesn't work out. Cash offers are best for getting properties at a discount, but financed offers are accepted. Make sure you have your financing in place with the proper documents in place. Keep the inspection period to less than 7 days. 

Smart sellers look at offer price but make their decision ultimately based on if the buyer can perform. An offer is just a legal contract, not the closing.