Making an Offer on a HomeSteps Home

The process for buying a HomeSteps home and submitting an offer is similar to the process for buying just about any home listed on the market.

If you are working with a real estate agent, they will contact the listing agent to begin the purchase process. If you do not have a real estate agent, you can call the listing agent noted on the listing directly. The listing agent will walk you through the purchase process and answer any of your questions, or will refer you to an agent that represents buyers.

What To Include With Your Offer

When you submit your offer to HomeSteps, it is important that you provide all of the required items, including:

  • Sales contract
  • Pre-approval letter
  • Proof of funds for cash sales
  • Earnest money (must be in certified funds at contract execution - no personal checks or money orders)
  • Necessary HomeSteps addenda (ask your real estate agent for information about HomeSteps-specific contract addenda)

For all offers, HomeSteps requires that:

  • The offer must be in writing
  • The terms must be clearly stated in the contract documents
  • The contract must be signed and dated by all buyers

To see a complete list of items requested by HomeSteps when submitting an offer, download the HomeSteps Offer Submission Checklist.

The Offer Process

Homesteps Offer Process
Click to enlarge

Complete offers will be entered into HomeSteps' system by the listing agent. Once an offer is entered into the HomeSteps system, an email will automatically be sent to your real estate agent acknowledging receipt of the offer. It is important that your real estate agent provide an accurate email address to HomeSteps.

  • On average, complete offers are responded to or countered within 48 hours, but it may take longer for the full final approval process to be completed.
  • The listing agent may reject an incomplete offer on behalf of HomeSteps, and it may not be entered into the HomeSteps' system or considered by HomeSteps. The listing agent will contact your real estate agent to let them know what items are needed to complete the offer.
  • Once HomeSteps has received a complete offer, we have the right to accept* or reject it.

*Initial agreement. Legal acceptance occurs only when the contract is fully executed by all parties.

The Multiple Offer Process

HomeSteps will initiate the Multiple Offer process when we receive more than one offer on a home at the same time. All prospective buyers who submitted a complete offer will be asked to submit their highest and best offer by a specific date and time that is provided to their real estate agent. They will be asked to sign the Multiple Offer Procedure form to return with their highest and best offer. Once this specific date and time has expired, all offers will be evaluated. The best offer will either be countered or accepted* by HomeSteps.

*Initial agreement. Legal acceptance occurs only when the contract is fully executed by all parties.