Making the Right Offer – With Confidence

Mastering the Art of Making an Offer and Negotiating the Price When Buying a Home

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Knowing how to make a strong, well-judged offer—and when to negotiate—can make a huge difference to your experience and your final purchase price.

Here’s a practical guide to help you get it right:

1. Do Your Research First

Before making an offer, get to grips with the local market. Compare recent sale prices of similar properties in the area, taking into account size, condition, and location. This gives you a realistic idea of what the property is worth and puts you in a strong position when it comes to negotiations.

2. Start Low—but Not Too Low

If there’s little or no competition on the property, it’s normal to begin negotiations below the asking price—typically 5–10% lower. However, if you go too low, you risk offending the seller or missing out to a more serious buyer. The key is to show that you’re informed, interested, and respectful.

3. But Be Ready to Offer Strong on a Popular Home

If the property already has other interest or offers on the table, you may need to lead with your best foot forward. In a competitive market, a strong initial offer can grab the seller’s attention and make the difference between securing the home or missing out.

We always advise buyers to be decisive when a property they love is attracting multiple viewers—sometimes paying close to (or even full) asking price makes sense if the home is truly right for you.

4. Position Yourself as a Serious Buyer

Let the seller know if you’re in a good buying position—especially if you’re chain-free, already have a mortgage agreement in principle, or are a cash buyer. Sellers often favour buyers who can proceed quickly and smoothly, sometimes even over slightly higher offers.

5. Understand the Seller’s Circumstances

If possible, try to understand the seller’s motivations. Are they relocating for work? Do they need a quick sale? Have they already found another property? Knowing their situation can help shape a more compelling offer.

6. Prepare for Some Back-and-Forth

Most offers don’t get accepted straight away. Be prepared to negotiate—just make sure you’ve set a clear upper limit for yourself. It’s important to stay within your budget and not get carried away in the heat of the moment.

7. Keep It Professional

Be polite, calm, and professional in all communication. A respectful approach goes a long way—it builds trust and sets the tone for a smoother transaction overall.

8. Know When to Walk Away

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the deal doesn’t come together. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price doesn’t stack up or the terms aren’t right. There will always be other homes—and sticking to your plan is key to long-term satisfaction.

💼 Need Help? We Offer Buyer Representation Services

Navigating negotiations on your own can be tricky. That’s where we come in.

At Asif Kola Realty, we offer buyer representation services to guide you through the entire home-buying journey—from viewing to offer to exchange. We’ll negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome and protect your interests every step of the way.