What a First-Time Buyer should know about making a Competitive Bid

Buying your first home can be an exciting but daunting process. You may have found your dream property, but how do you make sure your offer stands out from the crowd and secures the deal? Here are some tips on how to make a competitive bid as a first-time buyer.

Know your budget and get a mortgage agreement in principle

Before you start looking for properties, you need to know how much you can afford to spend. Use an online mortgage calculator or speak to an independent mortgage broker to get an estimate of how much you could borrow based on your income, expenses, and credit history. 

A mortgage broker can also help you get a mortgage agreement in principle (AIP), which is a document from a lender confirming that they would, in principle, be willing to lend you a certain amount. Having an AIP can show sellers and estate agents that you are serious and ready to buy a house fast for cash, and may give you an edge over other buyers who don’t have one. 

However, be aware that an AIP is not a guarantee of getting a mortgage, and it may leave a mark on your credit report. You should also check the expiration date of your AIP, as some lenders may only keep it valid for a few weeks or months.

Research the local market and the property

Before you make an offer for quick cash for houses, you should do some research on the local property market and the specific property you are interested in. You can use websites like Zoopla or Rightmove to see how much similar properties have sold for in the same area recently, and whether the asking price is realistic or inflated.

You should also try to find out as much as you can about the property itself, such as:

• How long has it been on the market?
• Have there been any price reductions or previous offers?
• Why are the sellers moving, and how quickly do they want to sell?
• What is the condition of the property and are there any issues that need fixing?
• Are there any planned developments or changes in the neighbourhood that could affect the value or desirability of the property?

These factors can help you decide how much to offer and how to negotiate with the seller. 

Consider using a government scheme to boost your buying power – If you are struggling to save enough for a deposit or find an affordable property, you may be able to use a government scheme to help you buy your first home.

Be flexible and realistic with your offer 

Once you are ready to make an offer, you should contact the estate agent or seller and state how much you are willing to pay, how you will finance the purchase, and whether you have any conditions or timeframes. You should also confirm your offer in writing, either by email or letter. 

Your offer should reflect your budget, your research, and your interest in the property. You don’t have to offer the full asking price, but you should also avoid making a lowball offer that could offend or discourage the seller. You may want to start with a slightly lower offer than your maximum budget, leaving some room for negotiation if needed. 

You should also be flexible and realistic with your expectations. For example, you may have to compromise on some aspects of the property, such as fixtures and fittings, or agree to complete the sale within a certain timeframe. You may also have to compete with other buyers who may offer more money or better terms. You may find that the owners want to sell the property quickly for cash. 

If you are considering selling your home quickly for cash, then a first-time buyer may not be the best match for you. Get in touch with Cash Home for more information on how to sell your property to a cash home-buying company for a great price and within days, not weeks or months!