Sweetening the Deal: 12 Ways First-Time Homebuyers Can Stand Out in a Bidding War

Sweetening The Offer

So, you’ve found the perfect house—congratulations! 🎉 That’s a huge step, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. But in a competitive market like we’re in now, it’s not unusual to find yourself up against multiple offers. Don’t panic—this is where a few smart strategies can help your offer rise to the top.

These strategies are what I like to call “sweeteners”—creative ways to make your offer more attractive to the seller.

So HERE ARE 12 WAYS FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS CAN STAND OUT IN A BIDDING WAR!

Of course, you’ll want to talk through each one with your buyer agent to make sure it fits your situation, but here are the 12 ways first time homebuyers can stand out in a bidding war! These ideas have helped my buyers win bidding wars:

1. Offer a Higher Price

Price is still king. If you’re able to offer more than the list price and you’re comfortable with it, this could give you the edge. Just make sure the home is likely to appraise—and lean on your buyer agent for guidance.

2. Increase Your Down Payment

A larger down payment can make you look financially strong to the lender and the seller. Just make sure you’re not overextending yourself if those funds are coming from savings, a retirement account, or family gift money.

3. Bump Up the Earnest Money Deposit

A standard earnest money deposit is usually about 1% of the purchase price. Offering 2% or more signals that you’re committed—and serious.

4. Make Part of the Deposit Non-Refundable

Some buyers offer to make part of their earnest money non-refundable. This means the seller keeps that amount even if the deal falls through under certain conditions. It’s a bold move—but sometimes a game-changer.

5. Cover an Appraisal Gap

If the home doesn’t appraise for the full offer price, you might offer to cover some or all of the difference in cash. This can give sellers peace of mind and make your offer feel more secure.

6. Be Flexible with Inspections

Rather than asking for every little repair, you could agree not to request credits or fixes for any issues under a certain dollar amount (say, $250), or accept certain things—like fireplaces or decks—“as is.”

7. Waive the HOA Review Contingency

If the home is in an HOA, you have the right to review the documents and back out if needed. Waiving that right shows confidence and can ease the seller’s concerns.

8. Let the Seller Stay Post-Closing

Giving the seller a few days or even a week to stay in the home after closing—either rent-free or for a small fee—can be a huge help for their move-out process.

9. Offer to Handle Unwanted Items

Let the seller leave behind anything they don’t want—furniture, boxes, junk—and you’ll take care of the cleanup. It saves them time and effort during a hectic move.

10. Cover Your Buyer Agent’s Compensation

In some cases, buyers agree to pay their own agent’s commission, easing the financial load for the seller.

11. Cover the Seller’s Agent Commission

If you really want to go above and beyond—and you can afford it—you might offer to pay the seller’s agent commission, increasing the seller’s net gain from the sale.

12. Pay Some of the Seller’s Closing Costs

Helping with closing costs is another way to boost the seller’s bottom line and make your offer more appealing.

Remember, while price is important, it’s not always the only factor that wins the house. Many times, a well-structured offer with thoughtful sweeteners can help you beat out higher offers.

Still have questions or want help crafting the strongest offer possible? I’d love to help.

📞 Reach out anytime—I’m here to guide you every step of the way.