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Everything You Need to Know About Making an Offer: 15 Tips for Homebuyers

HomeLight

Your offer will be stronger if you build in some wiggle room relating to factors that might seriously entice the seller to pick you: Can you offer rent-back? Determine how much earnest money to offer. The customary amount to put down as an earnest money deposit will vary based on your market.

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Closing on a House Checklist: 6 Things Home Buyers Must Do Before They Move In

Realtor.com

If the appraised value is less than the sale price, the contingency enables you to back out of the deal without forfeiting your earnest money deposit , says Bishoi Nageh , president of the Petra Cephas Team at Mortgage Network Solutions, in Somerset, NJ.

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How to Buy a House in San Diego: 14 Steps to Close the Sale

HomeLight

Get creative with your offer — you may want to offer a larger earnest money deposit, schedule a quick closing, or even consider letting the seller rent the house back from you for a certain period of time. Do they need to do a rent-back on the house, or do they want a quick close?

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I Have to Make an Offer Contingent Upon Selling My House. How Do I Sweeten the Deal?

HomeLight

Ask for a rent-back clause. You can always ask for a rent-back clause or an extended closing timeline if you need one for the home you’re selling. In hot markets, many sellers are asking for — and getting — rent-backs. Offer a rent-back to the seller so they can stay longer.

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What Is a Home Sale Contingency?

HomeLight

Offer a larger earnest money deposit. Earnest money shows you are serious about the deal because you’re tying up your funds in escrow. Money talks! Offer to accept a rent-back agreement. Consult with your agent about what would be considered reasonable in the current market.

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Big-City Convenience with Small-Town Charm: How to Buy a House in Arlington

HomeLight

Real estate experts recommend considering the following tactics to get a leg up in the current market: Include a sizable earnest money deposit with your offer. Offer a rent-back clause to the seller. Work with a local lender who understands Arlington. Waive appraisal and finance contingencies.

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Get Your Own Slice of the Big Apple: Buying a House in Manhattan

HomeLight

But working closely with your agent allows you to determine what else matters to the seller, like the timing of the deal, or possibly the opportunity to rent back the unit for a few months while they figure out their own next move. A top agent will help you remain competitive even in a cash market. Flood zones in the city?