With spring upon us, buyers are returning to the market, and the competition is becoming more intense.

If you really want to find a home you'll adore, it takes more than just a wish list. You need a solid plan, and that means teaming up with a great agent. They can help you craft a strong offer that stands out.

Here are some key tips your agent might suggest to help you stand out and succeed as a buyer in today’s market.

1. Don’t Lowball on Price

It's easy to think about making a really low offer to try to save some cash. However, in a competitive spring market, that strategy might not work in your favor. If your offer is too far off from what’s reasonable, you risk upsetting the seller and potentially losing the chance to a stronger bid. As NerdWallet points out:

““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.”
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— NerdWallet

Your agent can guide you through the current local pricing trends and help you determine what a fair but competitive offer looks like this season.

2. Consider an Escalation Clause

If you're concerned about competing offers, an escalation clause might be a good option for you. This clause enables you to automatically increase your bid if the seller receives another offer, up to a cap that you decide beforehand. This way, you won't miss out on a property just because your offer was slightly lower.

““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.”
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— Investopedia

Collaborate with your agent to determine if this approach aligns with your needs and budget. Make sure you don’t go beyond what you’re truly comfortable with financially, and verify that the home is expected to appraise for the price you’re proposing.

If the appraisal is lower than what you offered, you might need to cover the difference yourself. Your agent can help you consider the risks and find the best strategy tailored to your situation.

3. Be Intentional About the Concessions You Ask For

While some concessions, such as assistance with closing costs, may be feasible, putting forth too many demands could cause another buyer’s cleaner offer to stand out more. As indicated by the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

““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 . . .”
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— National Association of Realtors (NAR)

A knowledgeable agent familiar with what other buyers are looking for in your area can assist you in focusing on the most important requests while steering clear of those that might put off the seller.

4. Consider a Timeline That Appeals to the Seller

Sometimes, it’s not all about the price; timing can be key. Does the seller need a little extra time to move out, or are they eager to move right away? Being flexible with your timeline can really benefit you. If you can adjust when you plan to close, it might make your offer more appealing compared to others.

““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.”
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— Atlas Van Lines

Your agent can talk to the seller’s agent to understand what’s most important, like timing.