Social Links Widget

Click here to edit the Social Media Links settings. This text will not be visible on the front end.

front porch • April 17, 2025

4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring

by Lou Enge
4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring
Nav NavigateRE Marketing Team

Marketing Team

Our in house marketing team of designers, analysts, artists and technology gurus are constantly offering strategically driven marketing solutions and custom tailored work to meet the individual needs of our clients.

NAVIGATE Logo (2000 × 667 px)

Published on
Recent Posts

Get in Touch

Featured Properties



478 1st St

3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 1,759 sq. ft. →$975,000



4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring

Now that spring is here, more and more buyers are jumping back into the market, and competition is heating up.

If you’re serious about landing a home you’ll love, you need more than just a wish list. You need a smart strategy – and that starts with working with a great agent who can help you put together a strong offer.

Here are some top tips your agent will share with you that are helping buyers stand out (and win) in today’s market.

1. Don’t Lowball on Price

It’s tempting to start with a super low offer in an attempt to save money. But in a competitive spring market, that could backfire. If the price isn’t reasonable, you could offend the seller and lose out to a better bid. As NerdWallet says:

“If you really want the property, you should avoid offending the seller. So, be wary of placing a so-called lowball offer. One of the most obvious risks of making a lowball offer is outright rejection. . . As a buyer, you’ll need to find a balance between making a fair offer and running the risk of losing the property.”

Your agent can help you understand local pricing trends and what a fair, yet strong offer looks like this season.

2. Consider an Escalation Clause

If you’re worried about competing bids, an escalation clause can help. If you have an escalation clause and the seller gets another offer, it increases yours up to a certain max amount you set. That way you don’t lose out over a small difference. Investopedia explains it like this:

“An escalation clause is a way to automatically escalate your bid by a certain dollar amount, up to a certain ceiling, to compete with other bids.”

Work with your agent to decide if this tactic fits your situation and budget. Just be sure not to stretch beyond what you’re truly comfortable spending and that the home is likely to appraise for the amount you offer.

If the appraisal comes in lower than your offer, you may have to make up the difference out of pocket. Your agent can help you weigh these risks and determine the best approach for your specific situation.

3. Be Intentional About the Concessions You Ask For

While some concessions (like help with closing costs) might be possible, too many demands could make another buyer’s cleaner offer more attractive. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) notes:

“There are many factors up for discussion in any real estate transaction—from price to repairs to possession date. A real estate professional who’s representing you will look at the transaction from your perspective, helping you negotiate a purchase agreement that meets your needs . . .”

An agent who knows what’s working for other buyers in your area can help you prioritize the most important asks – and avoid ones that could turn off the seller.

4. Consider a Timeline That Appeals to the Seller

Sometimes, it’s not just about price, it’s about timing. Does the seller need extra time to move out? Or do they want to move as soon as possible? Flexibility here can work in your favor. By adjusting your timeline (if you’re able to), you could stand out against other offers. According to Atlas Van Lines:

“Everyone will have a unique timeline depending on the size of the move, the distance they are moving from or to, and personal preferences. It is important to be flexible and adapt the timeline as needed while ensuring you allocate enough time for each step.”

Your agent can communicate with the seller’s agent to find out what matters most, including timing.

Bottom Line

Spring is here – and more buyers are entering the market. Let’s work together to make sure your offer stands out.

What’s one thing you want to feel confident about before making an offer this spring?

 


4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring

4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring

🏠 Now that spring is here, more and more buyers are jumping back into the market, and competition is heating up.If you’re serious about landing a home you’ll love, you need more than just a… Read more…..


Related Articles
front porch Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going Up 🏠 At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”… Read more…..
front porch Is a Newly Built Home Right for You? The Pros and Cons 🏠 When searching for a home, you don’t want to skip over new builds as an option. Right now, there are more newly built homes to choose… Read more….
front porch How To Buy a Home Without Waiting for Lower Rates 🏠 Many people are hoping mortgage rates will come down before they buy a home. But will that actually happen?… Read more….
Lou Enge-White
Navigate White Logo (2)

Solano | Napa | Sonoma | Lake
DRE Lic# 02221115

Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement | Fair Housing Notice

© 2025 Made with ❤️navi

© 2025. Navigate Real Estate. All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. While, this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. All property information, including, but not limited to square footage, room count, number of bedrooms and the school district in property listings are deemed reliable, but should be verified by your own attorney, architect or zoning expert. The number of bedrooms listed above is not a legal conclusion. Each person should consult with his/her own attorney, architect or zoning expert to make a determination as to the number of room in the unit that may be legally used as a bedroom. Equal Housing Opportunity.