How To Make An Offer On A House As A First Time Home Buyer

Barbara Reagan
Jul 1
2 min read

Updated: Jul 3

Ready To Make An Offer

If you’ve been pre-approved, teamed up with a great Buyer Agent (hopefully one you trust!), and started your home search—congratulations! And if you’ve found the one—that perfect place to call home—then you’re officially at an exciting next step: making an offer. Here is some information on how to buy a house if you are a first time home buyer.

Now, especially for first-time homebuyers, this part can feel a little overwhelming. The market is still competitive in many areas, and between high prices and interest rates, it’s important to make your offer stand out. But don’t worry—that’s exactly what a great agent helps you navigate.

Here’s a quick overview of what goes into writing a strong, competitive offer:

💰 1. Offer Price

You might be tempted to rely on online estimates like Zillow or Redfin, but those numbers don’t always reflect true market value. Your Buyer Agent knows the local area and can help you determine a smart and realistic offer price based on recent sales and market conditions. This is one of the things you will want to talk to your agent when trying to decide how to make an offer on a house as a first time home buyer.

🛠️ 2. Contingencies

Contingencies are conditions that protect you in the contract. Common ones include:

Financing (to ensure your loan goes through)
Home inspection (to check for issues)
Appraisal (to confirm the home’s value)
Title review and HOA document review (if applicable)

Your agent will help you decide which contingencies are essential for your situation—and how to keep your offer competitive while still protecting your interests.

📅 3. Timing

The timeline matters more than you might think! You’ll want to consider:

Your current lease (if you’re renting)
How long inspections and loan approvals might take
When you’d like to move in
Most lenders allow you to lock in your mortgage rate for up to 60 days, so that gives you a little breathing room.

💵 4. Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)

This is a deposit you submit with your offer—typically about 1% of the purchase price—to show the seller you’re serious. Good news: this money gets applied toward your closing costs later.

🏦 5. Financing Type

Whether you're using a conventional loan, FHA, VA, or another option, your lender will help determine the best fit—and your agent will confirm that the home meets the loan requirements. This part is key to avoiding delays.

📑 6. Who Handles Your Closing?

In Virginia, you can choose either a title company or a real estate attorney to close your transaction. While both are qualified to handle the paperwork, only an attorney can provide legal advice if something unexpected pops up. It’s something to consider when choosing your closing partner!

Buying your first home is a big deal—and making a strong offer is one of the most important steps in the process. Having a knowledgeable Buyer Agent by your side makes all the difference.

I’m Barbara Reagan with Long & Foster Realtors, and I’d love to help you feel confident and informed every step of the way. If you're ready to talk, have questions, or just want to explore your options—reach out anytime. No pressure, no obligation.

✨ Happy house hunting! ✨