PricePinner
Most buyers set their maximum price too late, in the middle of the bidding. That is the worst time.
Step 1: what can you afford?
Start with the monthly cost: loan, interest, amortisation, fee or running costs. Your bank can help.
Step 2: what is it worth?
Look at what similar homes nearby really sold for. Not asking prices. Final prices. Adjust for size, floor, condition and fee.
Step 3: combine
Your maximum is the lower of the two numbers: what you can afford and what it is worth to you.
Step 4: write it down
Write it down. If you buy together, both sign it, even if only for fun.
Step 5: allow one small step
Some buyers allow themselves one extra small step above the maximum. Decide that before the bidding too.
Practise step 2
Step 2 is the hard part. Guessing real sold prices in PricePinner trains exactly that skill.