Making an Offer on a Home: What Really Matters (and What Often Doesn’t)

Once buyers find a home they like, excitement usually kicks in — followed quickly by nerves.

Questions start flying:

• Should I offer full price?

• Should I offer less?

• What if someone else is interested?

• What if I overpay?

This is completely normal. Making an offer is one of the most emotional parts of the buying process — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Let’s talk about what truly matters when writing an offer, and what buyers often worry about more than they should.

⭐️ Price Isn’t the Only Thing Sellers Look At

Many buyers assume the highest price always wins — but that’s not always true.

Sellers often consider:

• financing strength

• contingencies

• closing timeline

• earnest money

• overall certainty of the deal

A slightly lower offer with strong terms can sometimes be more appealing than a higher one filled with uncertainty.

⭐️ Strong Doesn’t Mean Risky

A strong offer doesn’t mean waiving protections or putting yourself in a bad position.

It means:

• realistic pricing

• clean structure

• clear timelines

• thoughtful terms

The goal is to show the seller you’re serious — while still protecting yourself.

⭐️ Terms Matter More Than Buyers Realize

Things like:

• inspection timelines

• appraisal language

• financing details

• possession dates

can influence a seller’s decision just as much as price.

That’s why every offer should be tailored — not copied and pasted.

🚫 What Buyers Often Overthink

Many buyers stress about:

• being “too aggressive”

• offending the seller

• not offering exactly what someone else might

There is no perfect offer — only the best one based on current information.

A well-thought-out offer guided by market data and strategy goes a long way.

🧠 A Helpful Way to Think About It

Instead of asking:

“What should I offer?”

A better question is:

“What offer gives me the best chance of success while still protecting my interests?”

That balance is the key.

💬 Final Thought

Making an offer isn’t about winning at all costs — it’s about positioning yourself confidently and intelligently.

When buyers understand what actually matters, the process becomes far less stressful and far more strategic.

In the next post in this Buyer Series, I’ll walk through what happens after an offer is accepted and what buyers should expect next.

– Shawn Long
ERA Martin Associates | Shawn Sells Delmarva
Serving Maryland’s Eastern Shore

 Real estate doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — you don’t have to figure it out alone.