How Do I Make an Offer on a Home in San Diego?

Making an Offer Is More Than Just a Number

In San Diego's competitive real estate market, making a winning offer requires far more than choosing the right price. The terms of your offer — contingencies, close of escrow timeline, deposit amount — can be as important as the price itself in determining whether a seller chooses your offer over competing bids.

What Goes Into a California Purchase Offer

• Purchase price: Your proposed price for the property
• Earnest money deposit: Typically 1 to 3 percent of the purchase price — signals commitment
• Close of escrow date: Typically 21 to 30 days for conventional loans, 30 to 45 days for FHA and VA
• Contingencies: Home inspection, loan, and appraisal — your rights to exit the contract
• Seller concessions: Any closing cost credits you are requesting
• Pre-approval letter: Required to accompany virtually every offer in San Diego

The California Residential Purchase Agreement

In California, offers are written on the California Association of REALTORS Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA) — a standardized multi-page contract governing virtually all residential transactions in San Diego. Your buyer's agent completes this form based on your instructions and submits it to the listing agent.

Offer Strategy in San Diego's Market

In competitive segments, your buyer's agent should help you understand whether the property is priced at, above, or below market value; how many other buyers are likely to offer; what terms will make your offer most appealing to this specific seller; and where you have flexibility versus where you need to hold firm.

Rieder Homes Group Offer Strategy

We write offers for buyer clients every week across San Diego County. Our offer strategy is data-driven — grounded in a thorough CMA and seller intelligence gathered during the showing process. We position every offer to maximize your probability of success, not just submit a number. Call us at 858-295-0556.

Related Reading on RiederHomes.com:

→ Blog #87: What Is Earnest Money?

→ Blog #88: Multiple Offer Situations

→ Blog #89: What Contingencies Should I Include?

→ Blog #59: CMA for Buyers

— Mance Rieder, Broker Associate | Rieder Homes Group | REAL Broker | riederhomes.com | 858-295-0556