Making an offer

An offer is more than price — it is a package of deposit size, contingency periods, closing date, and personal property inclusions that sellers weigh against net proceeds and certainty. In competitive Boca and Palm Beach markets, the strongest offer is not always the highest price.

Residential purchases use standard Florida REALTORS® / Florida Bar forms with addenda for financing, inspection, HOA/condo, and AS-IS terms. Read our Contracts article for deposit, contingency, and deadline detail. Calendar every date the day you go under contract.

Earnest money demonstrates commitment — typically 3–10% on luxury properties, held in escrow. Larger deposits can strengthen an offer if you are confident in your contingencies. Understand what happens to the deposit if you cancel inside vs outside contingency periods.

Inspection, financing, and appraisal contingencies protect you. Waiving them may win the deal but exposes you to lost deposit, uninsurable defects, or unfunded closing. We model net risk for shorter inspection periods vs full waivers so you decide knowingly.

Sellers may prefer flexible closing, rent-back, or as-is with quick inspection over a higher price with flaky financing. Your advisor gathers listing agent feedback and comparable sales to position your offer.