Buyers who are ready to make a bid on a house often find themselves fixated on the idea that they can make an offer that’s lower than the listing price. It’s important to remember that the market, not the individual seller or buyer, really determines the price.

“Supply and demand are major factors,” says Zealie Van Raalte, with Select Sotheby’s Realtor International of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. “When thinking about finalizing your bid, control what you can so you have the best chance to beat the competition with an acceptable offer.”

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. How realistic is the seller’s price? Learn the comps of houses sold in the area over the last six months to a year, Van Raalte says.

2. How long has the house been on the market? Were there prior offers? If so, ask why they fell through. Was it due to financing reasons or was it because of poor inspection results?

3. What’s the condition? Be sure there won’t be a lot of expensive work to get your home up to par.

4. How motivated is the seller? A divorce, job relocation or new-home purchase may all make a seller more eager. “Your willingness to meet their timing can make your offer more acceptable,” Van Raalte says.

5. How much do you love the house? Are you willing to increase your bid so you don’t lose it or are you willing to take your chances?

6. What other homes are available? Are there comparable houses?

7. What’s the buyer competition? “If great, make your offer as strong as you can financially but also get prequalified for a loan, limit contingencies to essentials and be prepared to close fast,” Van Raalte says.