How to make a winning offer to purchase

You have finally found the property that feels like you. Now comes a decisive step: the promise to purchase. In a competitive market like Montreal, a good offer is not just about price. It is a balance between appealing to the seller and protecting your own interests. Here is how I prepare an offer with my clients.

Come in with solid financing

Before you even start visiting, I recommend getting a mortgage pre-approval. It confirms your budget and reassures the seller that your offer is serious. When several offers are submitted, a buyer with clear financing often has a head start.

Set the right price, based on data

The price you offer should reflect the reality of the area, not a gut feeling. I prepare an analysis of recent comparable sales for you: similar properties, same neighbourhood, same features. We also look at the number of days on the market and the asking price history. These details tell us whether there is room to negotiate or whether we need to be more aggressive.

Choose your conditions carefully

Conditions are your safety net. The most common ones are:

• Financing: gives you time to confirm your mortgage.
• Pre-purchase inspection: strongly recommended, it lets you discover the real condition of the property before committing.
• Sale of your current property: useful if you need to sell in order to buy, but less attractive to a seller.
• Review of documents: for a condo, reading the meeting minutes, the budget and the state of the contingency fund is essential.

Making an offer more attractive does not mean giving up your protection. Instead, we can shorten certain deadlines, for example by booking the inspection quickly.

Take care of the details that make a difference

A winning offer often meets the seller’s needs. A flexible possession date, clear inclusions (appliances, light fixtures, curtains) and a reasonable acceptance deadline can carry as much weight as a few thousand dollars. I talk with the seller’s broker to understand what really matters to them.

Get ready to negotiate

The seller can accept, refuse or make a counter-offer. Keep a cool head: decide ahead of time on your maximum price and the conditions you will not compromise on. My role is to negotiate for you, explain each option and help you avoid decisions made in the heat of the moment.

In summary

1. Get your pre-approval before you start shopping.
2. Base your price on recent comparables.
3. Keep the conditions that protect you.
4. Adjust deadlines and the possession date to appeal to the seller.
5. Let your broker negotiate for you.

Do you have a property in mind? Write to me or call me: together, we will prepare an offer worthy of your project.