Knowledge base
Buy property
Buy property

Increase your chances of success: discover the best bidding strategies for homes

Sake van der Oord
26
 
August 2023
0 min reading time

Bidding on a dream home is a stressful but strategic game. Do market research beforehand and consider consulting a local real estate agent. Start with a smart opening bid and be prepared for counterbids. Flexibility and a good dose of humor can improve your chances.

Share this post

Link copied

Aah, the housing market. The place where dreams come true or get crushed like a crumpled wad of paper. The stress of finding the perfect home is tough enough, but once you've found a home, the real battle begins: making an offer.

You may have found the perfect home, but how do you make sure you win the battle for it? Well, fear not, because here we have the best home bidding strategies you can use to increase your chances of success and maybe even get your dream home without raiding your bank account.

Be smart and do your homework

And no, I don't mean the kind of homework you used to hate. I mean the kind of homework that increases your chances of success. So, find out how long the house has been for sale and if there have been previous bids. Look at similar homes in the neighborhood and what they've sold for. And if you're really serious, contact a local real estate agent to learn more about the market and the neighborhood. You never know what inside information they can share.

Bid smartly and strategically

And no, that doesn't mean putting on a circus act to convince the seller. Start with a low bid and work your way up from there. It can help you show the seller that you're serious and that you're not just putting all your cards on the table. But don't be too low, or you run the risk of being outbid by someone who is serious. And if you are really determined to win, try an aggressive approach and immediately bid the highest amount you are willing to pay. It can be scary, but it can also be effective.

Remember that the seller may also be able to use a little humor during this stressful time, so feel free to include a joke in your bid. For example, "I am offering 500,000 euros and my first-born child. But don't worry, he's an angel and loves dogs."

Be prepared for counteroffers

If the seller makes a counteroffer, don't be discouraged. This simply means they are interested and willing to negotiate. Here are some tips to use when faced with a counteroffer:

  • Stay calm and think about your next move.
  • Consider making a counter offer that is slightly higher than the previous offer, but still within your budget.
  • Once you have agreed on a price, make sure you understand all the terms of the purchase agreement before you sign the contract.

Be flexible

Keep in mind that you won't always be able to buy your dream home for the price you want. Be prepared to negotiate and be flexible in your offer. Sometimes it's better to pay a little more for the house you really want, than to pay a lower price for a house you don't like as much.

Making an offer on a house can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be that way.

By bidding smartly, being prepared for counteroffers, being flexible and doing your homework, you can increase your chances of success. So get out there, bid smart and who knows, you may soon be the proud owner of your dream home! And remember: a good dose of humor never hurts. Good luck and happy hunting!

The key to your own front door starts with us.

A photograph of a woman leaning on a cabinet