The North Texas real estate market is one of the hottest in the nation. Preparing your offer properly can be one of the most important factors in achieving ownership of the home you want. Key points to remember:

1. Flexibility. Your Virginia Cook, Realtors Associate will help you find ways to create an offer that is appealing to the seller. If you are flexible on closing date, repairs, price, or financing options, you may find that one of these options is important to the seller and will help make your offer appealing. Your Virginia Cook, Realtors Associate will help you find ways to create an offer that will meet your needs and those of the seller.

2. Contingencies. If you currently own a home, your offer may need to be contingent on selling that home first. You also may be considering installing a pool or other amenity and purchase may require a contingency that the property survey will support the installation. However, be careful when putting contingencies in your purchase agreement because they weaken your offer, especially if you are not the only interested party. Your Virginia Cook, Realtors Associate will explain the various options and ways to achieve your goals while presenting a strong offer.

3. Negotiation. Your Virginia Cook, Realtors Associate, as your representative, can provide invaluable insight, advice and support in the negotiation process and help you achieve your goals.

4. Earnest Money. Earnest money is usually a percentage of the purchase price of the home that indicates your good faith in going forward with the purchase of the home. It is usually applied to the purchase price at closing, but may be forfeited to the seller if you fail to purchase the home. Your Virginia Cook, Realtors Associate can help you determine the amount of earnest money you should be prepared to pay based on the price of the homes you are currently considering. This amount should be available in you checking account so that, on the date you sign your offer, you will be able to include an earnest money check. Your Virginia Cook, Realtors Associate and the Home Buying Tools the company offers are in place to make the home buying process as clear and enjoyable as possible for you.

5. The Title Company. After your contract has been accepted, the earnest money check and the contract are placed with the Title Company. Your Virginia Cook, Realtors Associate will help you through the more than 20 steps necessary to close on your new home.

6. Home Inspection. An inspection of the property you are wishing to purchase by a licensed inspector during the Option Period of the contract is highly recommended. A professional home inspector surveys the foundation and structure, roof, exterior, major systems (electrical, heating, cooling and plumbing), and appliances that stay with the home. You will receive an inspection report in writing. Your Virginia Cook, Realtors Associate can explain the process in more detail.

7. Home Warranty. Home warranty coverage that protects the major components of your home, will save you from large, unplanned expenses in the first year of home ownership. Discuss the various options with your Realtor.

8. Homeowner's Insurance. Protecting what is typically the single largest investment you will make with homeowner’s insurance assures that you will have financial protection for your home and your posessions against the unexpected. Homeowner’s Insurance also provides you with liability coverage.