Video — Agent Secrets: How To Calculate Your Initial Offer On A Home

The initial offer price and terms on a home purchase have a big effect on the final deal. Keep a few things in mind in calculating your offer:

If a buyers agent is involved, working for you (the buyer), they should take the lead on this job. Remind them to keep information and decisions confidential.

If a buyers agent is NOT involved, remember that the selling agent works for the seller, not you!

Calculating the actual offer should factor in:

The price and terms for homes in the area

The price and terms for recent, similar and especially nearby sales ("comps" -- comparable homes.)

The condition of the home

The listing history - how long has it been on the market? Has the listing price changed over time?

Your financing terms, and general financing conditions such as interest rates.

The sellers situation

Know what the home is worth, and what you can afford.

Negotiation is common; expect the buyer to make a counter-offer and anticipate more than one back-and-forth to reach agreement on the final price and terms.

If you have a buyers agent, consider their advice, but follow your own reason and goals.