How to Get Your Offer Accepted in a Competitive Market

birdsonggroup
May 30
2 min read

You’ve finally found the one—the house that feels just right. But you're not the only one who feels that way. In a competitive market, it’s common for multiple buyers to make offers on the same property. So how do you make your offer stand out?

At The Birdsong Group, we’ve helped countless buyers win homes in bidding wars without overpaying or overextending. Here are our best strategies to help you compete—and come out on top.

✅ 1. Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified

Pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready. It gives you a stronger footing than a pre-qualification letter, which doesn’t verify your income or credit. A pre-approval tells the seller: “I can close quickly and reliably.”

🧠 2. Work with a Skilled Local Agent

Your real estate agent is your secret weapon. A knowledgeable agent (like those at The Birdsong Group) understands the local market, knows what terms sellers care about most, and can craft a clean, compelling offer with the right mix of flexibility and strength.

💸 3. Offer a Competitive Price

In a seller’s market, lowball offers rarely work. Bidding at or above asking price—especially if the home is newly listed—shows you're serious. Your agent can help you determine what’s competitive without going overboard.

📆 4. Be Flexible with the Seller’s Timeline

Sometimes, it’s not just about the money. Offering a closing date that suits the seller or allowing them time to move out comfortably can make your offer more attractive.

📝 5. Limit Contingencies (But Stay Protected)

The fewer hurdles your offer creates, the easier it is for the seller to say yes. That said, don’t skip important protections like inspections. Instead, consider tightening deadlines or offering an “as-is” clause while maintaining the right to cancel if major issues arise.

💌 6. Include a Personal Touch

In some cases, writing a heartfelt letter to the seller—sharing what you love about the home and your plans for it—can make a real emotional connection. Just be mindful: not all sellers or markets allow this practice due to fair housing guidelines, so consult your agent first.

🔍 7. Add an Escalation Clause

An escalation clause automatically increases your offer (up to a set limit) if another higher offer comes in. This keeps you in the game without blindly bidding too much upfront.