5 Ways to Write a Winning Offer in Today’s Real Estate Market

by Cherie Edmunds, Realtor

In today’s hot real estate market, homebuyers are facing fierce competition. A lack of inventory, rising prices, and climbing mortgage rates have made it increasingly difficult to secure the home of your dreams. As a buyer, writing a winning offer is more important than ever. While offering a high price certainly grabs attention, there are several other ways to make your offer stand out. Here are 5 ways to write a winning offer in today’s real estate market that will help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting your dream home.

Demonstrate Solid Financing

In today’s market, sellers are looking for offers that are as likely to close as possible. Nothing is more discouraging than a sale falling through at the last minute because financing didn’t go through. To make your offer more appealing, it’s essential to demonstrate solid financing from the start.

New Construction vs. Existing Homes: The Financial Edge

If you’re buying a new construction home or an existing property, make sure to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start making offers. A pre-approval letter from a reputable lender shows the seller that you’re a serious buyer with the financial means to back up your offer. For extra credibility, opt for a lender with a solid reputation, as this can make a huge difference in how smoothly your deal progresses.

While an all-cash offer is always appealing to sellers, only about 1 in 4 home purchases are all-cash, so you don’t need to worry if this option isn’t available to you. Pre-approval can give you a significant advantage in a competitive market.

Put Down a Sizeable Deposit

One way to make your offer stand out and show the seller that you are serious is by offering a larger earnest money deposit. This deposit is a sign of good faith that shows you’re committed to following through with the purchase.

How Much Should You Offer?

Typically, earnest money is 1-2% of the sale price, but offering a larger deposit can make a huge impact in a competitive market. A more substantial deposit can help reassure sellers that you’re not just testing the waters. However, it’s crucial to balance the deposit with your comfort level, as this money is at risk if the deal falls through.

Our team can help guide you in determining the right earnest money deposit based on your specific circumstances.

3. Ask for Few (or No) Contingencies

Contingencies are clauses that give buyers the right to back out of the deal if certain conditions aren’t met. While contingencies are standard in most real estate transactions, fewer contingencies in your offer can make your proposal more appealing to sellers.

Common Contingencies to Consider

Financing Contingency: This allows the buyer time to secure a mortgage. Waiving this contingency could be risky unless you’re fully confident in your financing.
Inspection Contingency: This gives you the option to back out if significant issues are found in the inspection. Some buyers waive this contingency, though this can be risky.
Appraisal Contingency: If the appraisal comes in low, this contingency allows you to renegotiate or back out of the offer.

Waiving Contingencies: Weigh the Risks

While waiving contingencies can make your offer more attractive, it’s important to consider the risks involved. For example, if you waive the inspection and later find costly issues with the home, you may end up facing unexpected repairs. We can help assess the risks and advise you on how to make the best decision for your situation.

4. Offer a Flexible Closing Date and/or Leaseback Option

Sometimes, sellers are motivated by factors other than just price. Offering flexible terms, such as a longer closing date or a leaseback option, can give you a competitive edge.

Why Sellers Appreciate Flexible Terms

Longer Closing Date: Sellers may need more time to find a new home, so offering a closing date that accommodates their timeline can make your offer more attractive.
Leaseback Option: If the seller isn’t ready to move out immediately, you might offer a leaseback arrangement where they can remain in the home after the sale, renting it from you for a set period.

By offering these options, you demonstrate that you’re not only focused on getting the best deal for yourself but also on making the transaction smooth and accommodating for the seller.

5. Work with a Skilled Buyer’s Agent

In today’s highly competitive market, working with a skilled real estate agent is one of the most valuable ways to ensure your offer stands out. An experienced agent understands the ins and outs of writing a winning offer and knows how to negotiate on your behalf.

How a Buyer’s Agent Can Help

A qualified buyer’s agent will help you craft a compelling offer, ensuring it is competitive but not overreaching. They will also help navigate the paperwork, handle negotiations, and act as your advocate throughout the entire process. In a market where listings can receive multiple offers within hours, having a professional who knows how to craft a compelling offer and handle negotiations can make all the difference.

Conclusion:

Writing a winning offer in today’s real estate market requires a blend of solid financing, flexibility, and strategic negotiation. By using these 5 tactics—demonstrating solid financing, offering a sizeable deposit, minimizing contingencies, offering flexible terms, and working with a skilled agent, you can increase your chances of securing your dream home.

Cherie Edmunds Sullivan
Local Expert | Century 21 Results

A resident of the area for over 26 years, Cherie Edmunds Sullivan offers a level of local insight that only comes from deep roots in the community. As a top-producing REALTOR® in Cumming, Lake Lanier and North Metro Atlanta, Cherie is known for her “casual luxury” style, pairing high-end service with the unmatched perspective of someone who has watched this region grow and evolve firsthand. Cherie’s expertise is backed by proven results; in 2025, she was ranked the #8 individual agent out of approximately 400, a distinction that reflects her commitment to her clients’ success. By staying ahead of local market trends and new developments, she provides a strategic advantage to buyers, sellers, and investors alike. With the global power of Century 21 Results and over two decades of local history, Cherie remains the premier resource for navigating the North Georgia real estate landscape

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