How to Make an Offer on a Home Without the Representation of an Agent

A purchase agreement is the offer you present to the seller. If you're working with an agent, he or she will handle this for you. Be careful: When your offer is accepted, it becomes the purchase contract - so think before you write.

Things You'll Need

• Purchase Agreement
• Real Estate Attorneys
• Online Mortgage/finance Services

Instructions

1. Get prequalified. Sellers are more inclined to accept an offer from someone they know can afford the property. Provide a letter of prequalification.

2. Do your homework. Determine the market value of similar homes in the neighborhood. Decide before you write the offer how much you are willing to pay.

3. Buy a purchase agreement and receipt for deposit form from the local board or association of realtors or a real estate brokerage. Standard forms from stationery stores are too generic.

4. Read through the entire contract form. If there are items you don't understand, discuss them with a real estate broker or attorney before you write the offer.

5. Itemize how much you will put up as an earnest money deposit (the less the better).

6. Itemize the total amount of the down payment that you will pay.

7. Identify an escrow or title company that will handle the transaction. Determine the length of the escrow period.

8. Make your deposit check payable to the escrow or title company, not the seller.

9. Decide on the amount of financing. The lender that prequalified you will have this information.

10. Delineate who will pay for title and escrow fees, a termite report, work, inspections, reinspections and warranties.

11. Leave yourself an out. Always include some sort of contingency that will allow you to back out of the contract legally, such as approval of inspections, documents or financing.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider hiring a real estate attorney to review the offer before you submit it.