You may have heard of buyers house-hunting for a while and when they do find the perfect house for their needs, it may be beyond their budget or they may lose it to a higher bidder. How heartbreaking is that? How do you make sure it never happens to you?
Well, the truth is that you can’t be sure! In a seller’s market, it’s common to find not just one or two but as many as ten buyers eyeing the same house at once, if it’s a well-staged one in a coveted neighbourhood that doesn’t have many listings at the time. Multiple offers can be placed within minutes of each other. It’s easy to lose out to the highest bidder. Although you can’t change trends, there are a few ways to turn the situation around in your favour.
5 Steps to Sweeten the Deal
Firstly, don’t feel defeated before you’ve fought the war. Load up your arsenal and think smart with the help of a reliable buying agent. Here are a few tips to sweeten the deal.
- Large Down Payment: Any buyer can attempt to pull the carpet from under your feet with a hefty promise but not everyone is in a position to pay an instant down payment. Seasoned sellers are aware of that and prefer to sell to a committed buyer instead of one who makes promises but doesn’t see them through. Show them that you’re serious. Offer an earnest money deposit right then, instead of later during the closing, as part of your down payment. It might make a difference.
- Pre-Loan Approval Letter: It helps to win the trust of the seller so they consider your offer over others. Request your lender for a loan pre-approval letter to strengthen your case.
- Give them Time to Move: Many buyers insist on instant possession, which may not always be possible for the seller. If they are selling and looking to buy at the same time, the challenges multiply. Be considerate and give them some time to move out after closing the deal without expecting any benefits. Waive some contingencies to make it easier for them. Have a word with your agent for suggestions to make the offer more attractive.
- Best Offer: In a seller’s market with competitive bidders, it’s wise to avoid negotiating if you really like the house. Instead, make the highest offer possible, perhaps over the listing price if you can to clinch the deal. An experienced buying agent will know the comparative market analysis to determine the price range so you don’t pay over the market value, even if you pay a little extra. Find out how many competitive offers you are bidding against. If there is just one buyer instead of 10, you are in a better position to win the home of your dreams with a slightly better offer. Sell your home before you buy if you have a home to sell so it’s easier to make a better offer.
- Good Attitude: If you are a first-time homebuyer, don’t request for personal items from the seller or expect them to pay your closing costs. Kindness and niceness go a long way. Encourage your agent to be friendly with the seller’s agent as well. A good attitude wins no matter what the situation. Avoid a bidding war. If you still lose the deal, accept it graciously, and trust your agent to find you another home. You never know, that may turn out even better for your needs.
Are you looking to buy, sell or rent a home or commercial space in the Greater Vancouver Area? Real estate matters can be complex and time consuming but specialists can make the process more rewarding. Contact Cherry Yeung and her experienced team for the best solutions for you. We work night and day to meet your goals within your budget.