March is here, and we all know what that means—competition in the real estate market is about to heat up. Spring brings out more buyers, and with inventory still tight in our local markets, multiple-offer situations are the norm. 

Winning a home in a multiple-offer situation requires more than just submitting an offer - you need a strategy.

Here are 10 proven strategies that make your offer stand out and increase your chances of getting the home.

1. Get Fully Underwritten, Not Just Pre-Approved

A fully underwriten approval (rather than just a basic pre-approval) signals to sellers that you're a serious, low-risk buyer. This can give you a major advantage over buyers who still have financing contingenies.

2. Price Still Wins—But It’s Not Everything

No surprise here—offering a strong price is the most obvious way to win. But price alone isn’t always enough. The key is making sure the offer maximizes seller net proceeds while keeping your offer competitive. 

3. Match the Seller’s Ideal Close Date

Many buyers overlook this, but flexibility on the closing timeline can be a game-changer. If the seller needs a quick close, line up financing to accommodate. If they need extra time, offer a leaseback or work with their timeline. The easier the transition for the seller, the more likely they are to choose your offer.

4. Include a Strong Earnest Money Deposit 

The bigger the deposit, the stronger the commitment. Sellers want certainty, and a significant deposit shows that you are serious. It won't cost you more in the long run (since it goes towards your purchase) but it makes your offer stronger.

5. Waive Inspections (With Caution)

Waiving inspections is high risk, high reward. It’s often the most surefire way to win in a competitive situation, but it’s not right for every property. Newer homes or well-maintained properties may be lower risk, while older homes could present hidden issues. If you're comfortable with the risk, this move can make your offer stand out. But you need to understand the potential downsides.

6. Set a Threshold for Inspection Repairs

If waiving inspections isn’t an option, a threshold-based inspection can be a great middle ground. Instead of nitpicking every issue, offer something like:

“We won’t ask for repairs unless they exceed $15,000.”  That tells the seller you’re not going to nickel-and-dime them over minor issues while still giving you protection against major defects.

7. Cover the Seller’s Realty Transfer Fee

Here’s a power move—offer to pay the seller’s Realty Transfer Fee. This is a state-imposed tax based on the sale price of the property. In NJ, the seller typically pays this fee. Covering it can add thousands to their bottom line without increasing the official sale price. 

8. Bridge the Appraisal Gap

Appraisal issues kill deals—unless you're  prepared. If you're willing to cover a potential shortfall, write it into the offer:

“Buyer agrees to cover up to $10,000 of any appraisal gap.”

This reduces seller risk and makes your offer much more appealing.

9. Use an Escalation Clause - if Allowed (The Right Way)

Instead of guessing the winning number, an escalation clause lets you automatically outbid competing offers by a set amount. But here’s the key—make the increment significant. A weak escalation of $500 or $1,000 won’t cut it. We’re talking $5,000, $7,000, or more to truly stand out.

10. Have the Lender Call the Listing Agent

A lender call can be the deciding factor. When a lender personally calls the listing agent to vouch for your financial strength, it provides a level of certainty that no pre-approval letter can match. This move has saved deals for my clients time and time again.

The Bottom Line: Winning Requires Strategy

Winning in a competitive market isn't just about offering the highest price - it's about crafting the most appealing offer for the seller's needs. It isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. Buyers who can execute on these tactics  effectively will have a massive edge.