After weeks—or perhaps months—of searching, you’ve finally found the house you’ve been looking for. But another family has their eye on it too. How are you supposed to secure the house against the competition? While an experienced real estate agent can help guide you through the process of placing a bid with the best possible chance of success, the following guide also offers tips for securing a house in a sellers’ market.

How to Make a Successful Offer on a House

1. Get Your Finances in Order

It perhaps goes without saying that the monetary offer is the most crucial aspect. If there are several active bidders for a home, it’s usually best to meet the sellers’ requested price or even go a little over. While a few thousand dollars is not exactly pocket change, a house is meant to be an investment in the future. Additionally, cash offers tend to be the most appealing if you have the option available to you. Otherwise, secure mortgage financing as soon as possible.

2. Minimize Contingencies

Contingencies are specific aspects of the deal that need to be met in order for the sale to go through. It might include a specific closing date, an agreement that you get to sell your current home before closing, or that the property needs to pass a series of inspections. It’s fairly common to have a couple of contingencies, but the more you have, the more difficult it could be for the sale to go through. Therefore, prioritize the most vital to you, while being willing to compromise on some non-essentials.

3. Set Yourself Apart

You can also distinguish yourself from the competition through small gestures. For example, your real estate agent might encourage you to write a personal note to the seller explaining your situation or what the home would mean to you. This may not be enough to get you a home in a highly competitive area, but along with a strong financial offer, it could help to set your bid apart from one or two others that may be right in the same ballpark.

Looking to buy or sell a home in the Denver Metro area? Contact Open Real Estate. Based in Lakewood, CO, the real estate agency provides personalized service to help you buy a house or sell an existing property in the way that feels most comfortable for your family. Their team has extensive knowledge of the local market and can even help homeowners connect with contractors to fix up or renovate their spaces. To get started with your next home search, reach out to the team online or call (303) 232-1111.