Let’s set the scene: You’ve found the house. It checks all your boxes, the sunlight hits the kitchen just right, and even your dog would approve of the backyard. But… Surprise! So have three other buyers. Welcome to the bidding war.
Here’s the good news. You can still win. And no, it’s not always about throwing the biggest pile of cash on the table. Smart strategy beats panic every time.
Get real about your ceiling
Know your max number before things get emotional. Bidding wars have a way of making people forget math and logic.
Decide on your top number when you're calm and stick to it. No home is worth starting your new life with regret.
Clean up the offer
Price matters, of course. But so do the details. A clean offer with fewer contingencies is often more attractive to sellers than a messy, higher one.
Show them the money
Sellers don’t just want to hear you're qualified. They want to see it. A strong pre-approval letter from a reputable local lender makes a difference. Even better? A call from your lender to the listing agent, confirming you're solid.
Timing matters more than you think
Can you match the seller’s timeline? Maybe they need to close quickly. Or maybe they want to rent back for a month while they find their next place.
Flexibility here often beats dollars. Talk to your agent (hi, that's me) about what the seller actually wants.
Don’t forget the human side
This one isn’t for every deal, but sometimes, a personal letter to the seller helps. Especially if they’ve lived in the home for years.
Share a bit about yourself. Be honest. Just don’t turn it into a novel or a guilt trip.
Be ready to walk away
This might sound strange, but the strongest buyers are the ones who can walk away if needed. That power keeps you from overpaying or making emotional decisions.
If this one doesn’t work out, another will. Sarasota has a way of surprising you with something even better.
Kelli Eggen
