Buying a home in today’s market isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s tough, competitive, and demands resilience. If you’re serious about winning a home, here’s what you need to know:

1. You Will Lose at Least One House

Most buyers don’t get the first house they fall in love with. You might make a strong offer and still lose to someone offering more, waiving contingencies, or paying cash. It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the process. The key is to stay in the game and not get discouraged.

2. Asking Price Means Nothing

In a competitive market, the list price is just a starting point. Homes routinely sell for tens—or even hundreds—of thousands over asking. If a home is listed at $500,000 and you’re hoping to offer $495,000, you’re likely not even in the running when other buyers are offering $550,000 or more.

3. Cash Buyers Have the Advantage

Cash buyers skip the mortgage process, meaning fewer risks for sellers. That said, if you’re financing, you can still compete by offering a higher price, shortening contingencies, or showing strong financials. A well-structured offer can sometimes beat cash—especially if the seller prioritizes other factors like timing or leasebacks.

4. Waiving Contingencies is Often Necessary

Many winning buyers waive inspection, appraisal, and even mortgage contingencies to make their offers stronger. This doesn’t mean skipping due diligence—it means knowing the risks and working with your agent to minimize them. Some buyers get pre-inspections before making an offer so they can waive the inspection while still knowing the home’s condition.

5. Sellers Call the Shots

In this market, sellers have all the leverage. They don’t just pick the highest offer—they pick the offer that benefits them the most. This could mean a flexible closing date, allowing them time to move, or even agreeing to cover some of their moving costs. Your job as a buyer is to present an offer they can’t say no to.

6. Speed Matters

Homes are selling in days—sometimes hours. If you see a home you love, waiting until the weekend to schedule a showing could mean it’s already under contract by the time you get there. Pre-approval, fast decision-making, and a proactive agent are key.

7. Comfort Zones Don’t Win Homes

If you’re hesitant to stretch your budget, waive contingencies, or act quickly, you may struggle to compete. While you should always stay within what’s financially responsible, the reality is that the strongest offers often come from buyers willing to take a calculated risk.

8. You’ll Feel Frustrated

Losing homes, bidding wars, and skyrocketing prices—it’s exhausting. But the buyers who keep pushing forward do eventually win. Resilience is key. The right home is out there, but you need the patience and determination to find it.

9. Having the Right Agent is Non-Negotiable

You need an agent who understands the market, knows how to craft a winning offer, and has the negotiation skills to get you the best possible terms. A great agent will guide you through the process, prepare you for challenges, and make sure you’re not just throwing offers into the wind.

10. If You’re Waiting for the Market to Get Easier, You’ll Be Waiting a Long Time

Many buyers say, “I’ll just wait for the market to cool down.” The problem? Prices and interest rates don’t wait for anyone. Even if the market slows, home values tend to rise over time. The best time to buy was yesterday. The second-best time is now.

Bottom Line

Buying a home in a competitive market isn’t easy. But the buyers who stay committed, make smart decisions, and work with the right agent do win homes. If you’re ready to navigate this market with a strategic plan, let’s talk.