4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring

4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring

Now that spring has arrived, more buyers are actively house hunting, and the market is getting more competitive.

If you’re serious about securing a home you’ll love, it takes more than just having a list of must-haves. You’ll need a well-thought-out plan — and that begins with partnering with a skilled real estate agent who can guide you in crafting a compelling offer.

Below are some important strategies your agent may recommend to help your offer stand out and succeed in today’s market:

1. Avoid Making a Low Offer

Trying to save money by starting with a very low bid might seem like a smart move, but in a fast-paced spring market, it could work against you. An offer that’s too low might turn off the seller and give other buyers the upper hand. As NerdWallet says:

“If you really want the property, you should avoid offending the seller. So, be wary of placing a so-called lowball offer. One of the most obvious risks of making a lowball offer is outright rejection. . . As a buyer, you’ll need to find a balance between making a fair offer and running the risk of losing the property.”

A good agent will help you evaluate current pricing trends and guide you in submitting a competitive and fair offer.

2. Think About Adding an Escalation Clause

In situations where multiple offers are likely, using an escalation clause can help you stay competitive. It increases your offer incrementally—up to a limit you set—if another buyer bids higher. Investopedia explains:

“An escalation clause is a way to automatically escalate your bid by a certain dollar amount, up to a certain ceiling, to compete with other bids.”

Talk with your agent to see if this is a smart move for your circumstances. Just be sure your maximum offer aligns with your budget and the home’s likely appraisal value. If the appraisal is lower than your final offer, you may need to cover the difference in cash. Your agent can help you assess the risks and plan accordingly.

3. Be Strategic With Concessions

While requesting seller concessions (like closing cost assistance) may be an option, asking for too much could put your offer at a disadvantage. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“There are many factors up for discussion in any real estate transaction—from price to repairs to possession date. A real estate professional who’s representing you will look at the transaction from your perspective, helping you negotiate a purchase agreement that meets your needs . . .”

Your agent will know which requests are realistic and which may push a seller to go with a different buyer. They’ll help you focus on the most important points.

4. Align Your Timeline With the Seller’s Needs

Price isn’t always the deciding factor — timing matters too. If the seller wants more time before closing, or is in a hurry to relocate, being flexible can make your offer more appealing. According to Atlas Van Lines:

“Everyone will have a unique timeline depending on the size of the move, the distance they are moving from or to, and personal preferences. It is important to be flexible and adapt the timeline as needed while ensuring you allocate enough time for each step.”

Your agent can coordinate with the seller’s agent to understand their timeline and adjust your offer accordingly.

Bottom Line

With spring in full swing, competition is picking up. Let’s team up and make sure your offer is a standout.

What’s one thing you’d like to feel completely confident about before you submit an offer this season?