Proof of ability to pay... have evidence of loan approval or cash. A pre-approval letter from a lender is best.

Earnest Money... put down enough earnest money to make your offer look attractive to the seller.

Offer a realistic price for the property that you think the seller might accept.

Be careful not to include too many terms, conditions & contingencies that might make your offer less desirable to the seller. Only include those terms, conditions, & contingencies you really need or want.

Make a summary list of the STRONG features of both yourself and your offer.

Humanize yourself to the seller. Include a written personal introduction to the seller. Give the seller facts about yourself that you think would be interesting to a seller.