In a competitive market, it’s easy to feel like you have to throw everything at the wall to get a house under contract. But winning isn’t just about having the highest offer. It’s about winning on the right terms — so you get the home you love without stretching yourself too thin or ending up with buyer’s remorse.

Here’s how to make a strong, smart offer that helps you stand out.

Understand Your Market

Every price range and neighborhood moves at a different pace. Some homes fly off the market with multiple offers in a day, while others linger with room for negotiation. That’s why I’ll give you real-time data specific to your search — so you know whether you need to act fast, offer above list, or if you can negotiate.

Make the Whole Offer Count

Price matters, but it’s not the only thing sellers look at. You can make your offer more appealing by including:

• A strong pre-approval letter

• A flexible closing timeline that fits the seller’s needs

• A larger earnest money deposit to show commitment

• Fewer contingencies, without giving up your key protections

The goal is to show the seller you’re serious while keeping your best interests front and center.

Stick to a Comfortable Budget

The excitement of a bidding war can tempt you to push your budget too far. But a higher monthly payment or dipping too deep into your savings can lead to regret. Together, we’ll look closely at the numbers to make sure your offer makes sense now and in the long run.

Understand Appraisal Risks

If you offer over the list price, the lender will base your loan on the appraised value, not the contract price. That means you may need extra cash to cover the gap. I’ll help you:

• Review comparable sales to estimate appraisal likelihood

• Decide how much coverage, if any, you’re comfortable offering

• Add protective language to your offer to keep you safe

Don’t Waive the Inspection

You may hear advice to skip the inspection to make your offer more attractive, but that can backfire. Instead, we can:

• Use a shorter inspection period

• Limit requests to major systems only

• Keep the contingency while showing the seller you’re serious

That way, you stay protected without making your offer look weak.

Lean on Your Agent

As your REALTOR® in Lubbock, I’ll help you craft an offer that’s both competitive and smart. I’ll also keep communication clear and professional with the listing agent to make sure your offer is positioned in the best possible light.

You usually only get one shot at a first offer. Let’s make sure yours counts.

I’m Gary Owen, REALTOR® in Lubbock, TX. Ready to write a strong offer and secure the home you want? Follow me on social or join my email list for expert advice and real-time market updates.