You have found the perfect home, only to find out that it is going into a multiple offer situation. Your next thought — How do I come out as the winner?

There is more to “winning” than just buying the property. We also consider it a win when our clients are not overpaying as well.
- With this in mind, we make it an essential part of the buying process to let our clients know what the market value is for the area, even when the list price of the properties are not attached to the market value itself.
This process means that when properties have sold in the past, the list price may not be at the current value of what the same property will sell for today. This is why buyers should seek out someone who has the expertise needed to help them in their real estate search.
With that said, let’s take a look at the various ways you can win:
- Primary negotiations will centre around the price itself, and then there are the conditions that you choose to include in your offer. As a rule, most offers are subject to such conditions as financing, and the buyer’s satisfaction of a home inspection.
  - If the seller had a choice, they would probably not want to wait for either of these things to occur, as they just want to sell. Some buyers in today’s marketplace may have the confidence to approach a property without first obtaining an inspection, such as those who have a construction background or feel they can overcome any risk that may present itself in another manner.
  - In the end, it is up to the buyer to make a choice, although we would typically recommend a home inspection.
  - With the financing side of the conditions, if you work with some of the top-notch experts we know, you could take advantage of a relatively shorter period of time where the seller would experience uncertainty. This could be used as a valuable method of winning with conditions.
- The next element is the possession date. Most often the seller will state on the listing how long they desire before taking possession of the property, and then the buyer will submit a possession date along with their offer.
  - Being on the same page as the seller will help give you the best opportunity to work with them.
  - If you can get the listing agent to verify what the seller’s preferred possession date may be, you may use the information as a means of getting ahead of the competition.
- It is essential to realize that there will be minor negotiation points as well. These could have some influence if everything else between the multiple offers are equal.
  - For instance, what if the buyers were initially introduced to the sellers through a video? In this case, the sellers could see a young family that would grow up in the home, possibly in the same way that the sellers had. This may create a connection that, in the end, may have a minor influence on how the transaction proceeds.
  - You can also use the reputation of your agent to get ahead. Sellers are nervous about buyers taking up their time but are not able to get to the finish line, due to financing or any other reason.
    - Suppose the buyer had chosen an agent that has an established reputation of always closing on deals. In this case, this will allow the buyer to perform better if all the multiple offers remain equal.