Buying a home in a hot seller’s market takes more than just interest. It takes preparation, speed, and a clear plan—especially now, when many homes are selling over asking.
Start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This gives you a firm budget and shows sellers you’re serious. But keep in mind: your budget needs to account for the possibility of going above list price. Talk to your lender about your upper limit before you start making offers.
Know your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves. You won’t have time to think things over for days. If a home fits your needs, you’ll need to act quickly. Be ready to make a strong, competitive offer right away.
Work with a real estate agent who understands the local market. They’ll help you judge when going over asking makes sense—and when it doesn’t. A good agent can also guide you on offer strategies beyond price, like deposit size and flexible closing dates.
Keep your offer clean. Sellers prefer fewer conditions. If you’re comfortable, skip things like conditional financing or minor repair requests. A simple, strong offer is often more attractive—even if someone else offers slightly more.
Set realistic expectations. You might not get the first house you offer on, especially if you’re sticking to a firm budget. That’s normal in a market like this. Stay focused and be ready to act fast when the next one comes up.
Check listings daily and be ready to view homes on short notice. In a hot seller’s market, things move fast. Preparation gives you the edge—so have your financing, paperwork, and strategy lined up before you start offering.
