The short answer
An offer is a written contract, not a number. In Florida you submit a purchase contract stating price, escrow deposit, financing terms, inspection period, closing date, and who pays which costs, along with your pre-approval letter and proof of funds. The seller can accept, reject, or counter, and nothing is binding until both parties sign and the deposit is delivered on time.
- Offer form
- Written contract
- Typical deposit
- 1%–5% of price
- Inspection period
- 7–15 days
- Response window
- 24–72 hours
01
What an offer actually contains
- Purchase price and how it is financed, or a cash designation
- Escrow deposit amount and the deadline to deliver it
- Inspection period length and your right to cancel within it
- Financing and appraisal contingencies, if any
- Closing date, closing agent, and cost allocation
- Personal property included, plus any repair or credit requests
02
The terms that win beyond price
| Lever | Seller sees | Your risk |
|---|---|---|
| Larger deposit | Serious, committed buyer | More money at stake early |
| Shorter inspection period | Faster certainty | Less time for due diligence |
| Verified pre-approval | Financing likely to close | None — always include it |
| Flexible closing date | Fits their move-out | Possible temporary housing |
| Fewer contingencies | Cleaner contract | Fewer legal exits |
03
Never submit an offer without financing proof
A contract without a pre-approval letter is routinely set aside in favor of one that has it. Get the verified version first — see how to get pre-approved for a mortgage and the difference explained in pre-qualification vs. pre-approval.
04
Setting the number
Price follows evidence: recent comparable sales, condition, and how long the listing has sat. The full method is in how much you should offer on a house.
05
After acceptance the clock starts immediately
Deposit delivery, inspections, and loan milestones all run on contract deadlines that begin the day of execution. Know the sequence in advance: what happens after your offer is accepted.
Offer strategy is local knowledge, which is why buyers work with top rated real estate agents in Hollywood, FL who know how specific listing agents and buildings respond to deposit size, timelines, and inspection windows.
The same rules apply for clients across Dania Beach and Hallandale Beach and the surrounding South Florida communities.