The Art of (Bidding) War


Participating in a bidding war for a real estate property can be a challenging and stressful experience. However, here are some tips that may help increase your chances of success:

Get Pre-approved for a Mortgage: One of the best ways to show that you're a serious buyer is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This demonstrates to the seller that you have the financial means to close the deal, which can give you an advantage over other bidders who are not pre-approved.

Offer a Strategic Bid: Work with your real estate agent to construct a pricing strategy. This can be formulated by understand how many other offers are being submitted on the home, and what the seller's wishes are (i.e. their preferred closing date). 

Limit Contingencies: Contingencies in a real estate contract can protect you as a buyer, but they can also make your offer less attractive to the seller. To increase your chances of success in a bidding war, if you can, limit the number of contingencies you include in your offer.

Be Flexible on Closing Dates: If the seller needs to close on a specific date, try to accommodate their needs as much as possible. This can show the seller that you are willing to work with them and can give you an edge over other bidders who are not as flexible.

Write a Personal Letter: In some cases, writing a personal letter to the seller can be an effective way to stand out in a bidding war. This letter can help you connect with the seller on a personal level and can show them why you are the best candidate to buy their property.

Overall, being well-prepared and flexible can go a long way in winning a bidding war for a real estate property.