Real estate across the United States is hot with record-low inventory and multiple offers on homes. Fortunately, it is not always about the highest offer.

There are things that can be done to make your offer more appealing.

1. Hire the right agent.
   An experienced agent with a solid reputation is a great start. The relationships they have with other agents many times will trump a better offer because the selling agent trusts that person to come through for their client. They will recommend that offer just for the security of closing on time. People do business with people they trust!
2. Appeal to the seller as a local home buyer.
   Many sellers have a kinship to selling to a local. Others are happy to sell to first-time homebuyers because they know the importance of buying your first home.
3. Smart agents will seek to understand what the seller's motivations are.
   Maybe it is a quick close, maybe not. Maybe they need flexibility. If you can accommodate their needs, they may prefer your offer.
4. It's what you know, and, it's who you know.
   Tell everyone you are looking and what you are looking for. You can even share the home you are looking for on social media. You can still go through a full-service agent to help you understand what the current value of the home is to make sure the price is fair and get a home inspection for peace of mind.

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