Key 1. Proof of ability to pay...have evidence of loan approval or cash. A preapproval letter from a lender is best.
Key 2. Earnest Money (the deposit)...put down enough earnest money to make your offer look attractive to the seller. Make them see you're serious!
Key 3. Offer a realistic price for the property that you think the seller might accept.
Key 4. Be careful not to include too many terms, conditions, and contingencies that might make your offer less desireable to the seller. Only include those terms, conditions & contingencies you really need or want.
Key 5. Make a summary list of the STRONG features of both yourself and your offer.
Key 6. Humanize yourself to the seller. Give the sellers facts about yourself that you think would be interesting to the seller.