8 Tips to Winning a Bidding War in a Competitive Market

June 29, 2023
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Mortgage News

In a competitive market, it’s important to plan ahead. Here are 8 tips to help you win a bidding war:

#1. Determine Price: Carefully consider how to price your offer, as it will be the first thing the seller sees. In a competitive market, you may need to match or slightly exceed the list price to grab the seller’s attention.

#2. Pre-Qualification: Obtain a mortgage pre-qualification letter. This document demonstrates that you are a serious buyer who has undergone a preliminary financial review and is eligible for a home loan.

#3. Increase Earnest Money: Consider offering a larger earnest money deposit, this serves as a gesture of good faith and commitment. However, be aware of the refundability conditions if you not to proceed with the purchase.

#4. Evaluate Contingencies: Contingencies can be included in your offer, such as a home inspection or appraisal. While these contingencies are usually standard, in a competitive market, you might choose to waive them.

#5. Escalation Clause: To protect against being outbid, include an escalation clause in your offer. This clause automatically increases your offer price up to a specified maximum if another buyer surpasses your initial offer.

#6. Minimize Extra Requests: To increase the chances of acceptance, avoid unnecessary requests in your offer. Refrain from asking the seller to include furniture or making excessive demands for minor repairs that you can handle later.

#7. Accommodate Seller: If possible, gather information about the seller’s circumstances and consider their needs. For instance, if you learn that the seller requires more time to move out, propose a closing date that aligns for their convenience.

#8. Be Polite & Professional: Craft a friendly and polite offer letter that avoids making unreasonable demands or creating unnecessary friction with the seller. Etiquette is essential, especially in a competitive market with multiple buyers.

Want more information on this? Connect with your Mortgage Banker or contact us today.