Always make your offer to the estate agent and not the homeowner. The estate agent is obliged to check that you're able to go ahead. They'll check your details, for example your name and address, establish whether you're a first-time buyer, and whether your own property is sold, under offer or on the market.

Try to get a mortgage agreement in principal. The offer will then be forwarded to the homeowner. The agent may tell you what amount he thinks the owner is looking for or if he thinks your offer will be declined. The agent is obliged to put all offers to the owner unless the owner has instructed them in writing to reject offers below a specific amount.

What if there is competition?

The market is booming, everybody's buying and the race is on. To win you must be decisive and efficient and have financing in place. Even then you could still find yourself in a contract race or competing to purchase your dream home.
Put your offer in (offers are always subject to survey and contract, so don't panic about being committed if you suddenly find any structural problems).
If you really want the property, go for the asking price. If you wish to make an offer then the agent will discuss this with the owner and negotiate the price with you.

What if your offer is rejected?

If your offer is rejected, you'll need to decide whether to increase it or not. Are you happy to pay whatever it takes to buy that property. And how big a mortgage can you afford? This is where having your finances arranged in advance becomes critical.

If your offer is accepted, we can arrange for a solicitor to act on your behalf, we will inform the vendor and your respective solicitors to confirm details of the sale. You will need to carry on with your mortgage application and your solicitor will start the legal work required. Only when you have exchanged contracts with your seller and come through to completion, can you start celebrating.