The more you understand the selling process, the more potential buyers you will attract—which can boost your selling price and facilitate a quick sale. Click a step to learn more. When you make an offer, you commit to one home. You sign a contract to purchase, which is legally binding if the seller accepts. You also write out your first big check for a good-faith deposit, which you can apply to the down payment at closing. The more carefully you research the market, the neighborhood, comparable homes, and current property values, the more quickly and confidently you can decide what price to offer. Focus on the facts: Are you making an offer that you can afford? Have there been, or are there, any other offers? What is the apparent condition of the property? What contingencies, or conditions, do you need? If seller comes back with a counteroffer, what's negotiable?