It’s you… vs. five other offers.
Do you fold, overpay, or fight smart?
In competitive markets, bidding wars can feel like emotional warfare — but if you’re strategic, you can still win without overreaching.
1. Get Fully Underwritten — Not Just Pre-Approved
A pre-approval is nice.
An underwritten loan approval says: “I’m ready to close.”
🧠 This makes your offer stand out, especially to sellers who want a fast, low-risk deal.
💡 Citrus Strategy: Ask your lender if you can be fully underwritten before you go shopping.
2. Increase Certainty — Not Just Price
Sellers aren’t always looking for the highest number.
They want certainty.
Strengthen your offer with:
- Shorter contingencies (inspection, appraisal, financing)
- Flexible closing date
- Fewer requests for seller concessions
You don’t have to outbid — you just have to out-position.
3. Write a Tight, Clean Offer
- No sloppy typos
- No vague timelines
- No weird contingencies
Make your offer professional. Sellers often choose buyers they trust — not just the highest bidder.
🎯 Pro move: Use an agent who knows how to frame an offer like a deal-maker, not a beggar.
4. Don’t Waive Every Protection Unless You Understand the Risk
Waiving inspections or appraisals can win deals — but it can also backfire.
If you’re considering it:
- Do a pre-offer walk-through with a contractor
- Review recent sales to estimate true market value
- Understand your personal financial buffer
🛑 If the house has major red flags, don’t let emotion write your check.
5. Set Your Walk-Away Number (Before You Even See the House)
This is the most important part.
Have a number in mind where you say:
“If it goes above this, it’s not the house for me.”
Stick to it.
💡 Citrus Mindset: If you lose a deal but keep your discipline, that’s still a win.
Final Thought:
Winning isn’t just about getting the house — it’s about making a smart move you’ll be proud of a year from now.
In this market, preparation > panic. And strategy > speed.
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