Make sure you're ready before you submit

Offer Readiness Checklist

Check whether you have everything in place before submitting an offer — finances, team, and key decisions. Not strategy advice. Just preparation.

Go through each item before submitting an offer. This covers preparation — not strategy. For strategy questions, talk to your agent.

Buying a condo?

Pre-approval letter in handFrom a lender who has verified your income, assets, and credit — not just a pre-qualification.
Down payment funds are liquid and verifiedIn a checking or savings account — not in stocks, retirement accounts, or assets that require liquidation.
Earnest money source is identifiedTypically 1–3% of offer price. Due within 2 business days of mutual acceptance. Must be immediately accessible.
Closing cost cash is availableEstimate 2–3% of purchase price on top of your down payment. Includes lender fees, title, escrow, and prepaid items.

Working with an agent who represents youYou’ve signed a buyer brokerage agreement and confirmed they represent your interests — not the seller’s.
Lender is reachable and readyYou’ve spoken to your lender within the last 7 days and they can move quickly on your timeline.
Inspection approach is decidedWhether to include an inspection contingency or not is a decision to make before submitting — not after. Discuss with your agent.

Price ceiling is setThe maximum you would pay for this property and still feel okay about. Decide before you’re in a competitive situation.
Closing timeline is understoodDo you need 30 days? 45? 60? Does it align with your lease end or other constraints? Communicate this to your agent.
Appraisal gap scenario is discussedIf the home appraises below your offer price, what will you do? Worth talking through with your agent before submitting.
Financing contingency decision is madeYou understand the difference between having a financing contingency and waiving one, and you’ve discussed it with your agent.

Items to address before submitting0/11 of items checked

This checklist doesn’t cover offer terms or contingency strategy — that conversation belongs with your agent and lender.

Want Vera to look at this with you?

Use the tool as a starting point. If you want a read on a specific listing, budget, or offer, send the context.