With a limited number of homes for sale today and so many buyers looking to purchase before mortgage rates rise further, bidding war are common. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale nationwide. Here’s a look at how that breaks down state-by-state (see map below):
The same report from NAR shows the average buyer made two offers before getting their third offer accepted. In this competitive housing market, it’s essential to know what levers you can pull to help you beat the competition. While a real estate professional is your ultimate guide to presenting a solid offer, here are a few things you could consider.
Offering over Asking Price
In today’s housing market, more homes sell for over the asking price because there are more buyers than homes for sale. When you think of sweetening the deal for sellers, the first thought you likely have is around the price of the house. You want to make sure your offer is still within your budget and realistic for the market value in your area – that’s where a local real estate professional can help you through the process. Bankrate says:
“Put, being willing to pay more money than other buyers is one of the best ways to get your offer accepted. You may not have to increase it by a lot — it’ll depend on the area and other factors — so look to your real estate agent for guidance.”
Putting Down a Bigger Earnest Money Deposit
An earnest money deposit is a check you write to go along with your offer. This deposit is credited toward your home purchase if your request is accepted. You could also consider putting down a more significant deposit upfront. NerdWallet explains how it works:
“A typical earnest money deposit is 1% to 2% of the home’s purchase price but varies by location. A higher earnest money deposit may catch a seller’s attention in a hot housing market.”
It shows the seller you’re seriously interested in their house and have already set aside money that you’re ready to put toward the purchase. Talk to a professional to see if you can do this in your area.
Making a Higher Down Payment
Another option is increasing how much of a down payment you will make. A higher down payment benefits you won’t have to finance as much. This helps the seller feel like there’s less risk of the deal or the financing falling through. And if other buyers put less down, it could be what helps your offer stand out from the crowd.
Non-Financial Options To Make a Strong Offer
Realtor.com points out that while increasing these financial portions of the deal can help, they’re not your only options:
“. . . price is not the only factor sellers weigh when they look at offers. The buyer’s terms and contingencies are also taken into account, pre-approval letters, appraisal requirements, and the closing time the buyer is asking for.”
When it’s time to make an offer, partner with a trusted professional, they have insight into what sellers are looking for in your local market and can give you expert advice on what levers you may or may not want to pull when it’s time to write an offer.
From a non-financial perspective, this can include flexible move-in dates or minimal contingencies (conditions you set that the seller must meet for the purchase to be finalized). For example, you could make an offer that’s not contingent on the sale of your current home. Remember, there are certain contingencies you don’t want to forego, like your home inspection. Ultimately, your options can vary state-to-state, so it’s best to lean on an expert real estate professional for guidance.