🏡 How to Write a Strong Offer in a Competitive Real Estate Market

By Phonicia Palmer, Your Trusted Baton Rouge Realtor

In today’s fast-paced real estate market, homes are selling faster than ever—and often with multiple offers on the table. If you’re a buyer, you may be wondering:

“How can I make my offer stand out?”

The good news? There are proven strategies that can help you rise above the competition and increase your chances of getting that dream home. As your local Baton Rouge Realtor, I’m sharing my top 10 ways to craft a strong offer that sellers want to accept.

✅ 1. Get Fully Pre-Approved

Before you even start looking at homes, get pre-approved by a reputable lender. This shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready. It also gives you a clear budget.

📌 Pro Tip: Include your pre-approval letter and proof of funds when submitting your offer.

✅ 2. Come In With a Strong, Competitive Price

In a seller’s market, lowball offers won’t cut it. Base your offer on recent sales in the area and be prepared to go above asking if needed.

📌 Bonus Strategy: Use an escalation clause (e.g., “$1,000 over the highest offer up to $X”).

✅ 3. Limit or Waive Contingencies

The fewer “outs” you include in your offer, the more appealing it is to the seller.

Consider a shorter inspection period Be flexible with appraisal Tighten your financing timeline

Only do this if you’re comfortable with the risk—I’ll help you evaluate each option.

✅ 4. Increase Your Earnest Money Deposit

Earnest money is a deposit that shows you’re serious. Going above the standard 1% can grab the seller’s attention.

📌 Example: Offering 2–5% shows more commitment and reduces the seller’s risk.

✅ 5. Be Flexible With the Closing Date

Every seller has different needs. Some want to close fast, others need more time.

📌 Pro Tip: Ask the listing agent what timeline works best and align with it.

✅ 6. Consider a Personal Letter (If Allowed)

A well-written letter can tug on the heartstrings—especially if the seller has lived there a long time.

📌 Keep it short and focus on what you love about the home (not personal demographics).

✅ 7. Cover Some of the Seller’s Costs

Want to go above and beyond? Offer to pay for things like:

Title policy Transfer fees Home warranty

Even small amounts can improve your offer’s bottom line.

✅ 8. Use a Trusted Local Lender

Working with a well-known local lender gives sellers and listing agents peace of mind. They know deals are less likely to fall apart.

📌 Tip: Have your lender call the listing agent directly to vouch for your strength as a buyer.

✅ 9. Respond Quickly and Stay Available

Speed matters! If a home hits the market and you’re interested, we need to be ready to act.

📌 Review contracts and financing limits ahead of time so you’re ready to make decisions quickly.

✅ 10. Work With a Realtor Who Knows the Market

Every offer is different. As your Realtor, I help you analyze the comps, understand what the seller wants, and write an offer that gets results.

🎯 Bottom Line

In a competitive market, the strongest offer isn’t always the highest—it’s the one that gives the seller the most confidence. With the right strategy and guidance, you can win in today’s market.

Thinking about buying in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas?

Let’s sit down and create a custom game plan that gets you to the closing table—fast and stress-free.

📲 Call or text me today: (225) 247-5837

📧 Email: phonicia@goodwoodrealty.com

💻 http://www.phoniciapalmer.com

🖤 Follow me on Instagram: @phoniciapalmerrealtor