Let’s face it: buying a home these days can feel like you’re competing in a high-stakes game show. Multiple offers, tight timelines, and rising prices can make the process feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing—you don’t always need to have the highest offer to win. Sometimes, it’s about being smart, strategic, and a little creative.
I’ve helped many buyers get their dream home, even in competitive situations, and I want to share a few of my best secrets with you. These are tips that have worked time and time again, and I think they might help you too.
1. Figure Out What the Seller Really Wants
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming sellers only care about the money. But here’s the truth: sellers are people too, and they often have needs or concerns that go beyond the price. If you can figure out what’s important to them, you can tailor your offer to make it a win-win.
For example, I had a buyer recently who wanted a home that had several competing offers. Most of the other buyers were pushing for a quick closing, but we found out the seller actually needed more time—about two months—to coordinate their move. We adjusted our offer to match their ideal timeline, and guess what? They picked us! It wasn’t even about offering the most money; we were just the only ones who really listened to what they needed.
The takeaway? Make sure your offer aligns with the seller’s priorities. Sometimes it’s as simple as offering a little flexibility.
2. Think Outside the Box
Sometimes, a little creativity can make your offer stand out in ways you wouldn’t expect. Sellers often have emotional connections to their homes, so adding a personal or thoughtful touch can help set you apart.
Here’s a fun example: I had a client who owns the Cat House Cafe and Boutique in Roselle. They fell in love with a home that already had higher offers on the table—$5,000 over what my client could afford. But the sellers were cat lovers, and we came up with a creative addendum to the offer: free access to my client’s cafe. It wasn’t about the money—it was about making the offer memorable and meaningful. The sellers loved the gesture so much that they chose my client’s offer over the higher ones.
Think about this: What can you offer that’s uniquely you? It could be something small but thoughtful that helps you connect with the seller on a more personal level.
3. Show Empathy and Kindness
Buying and selling a home can be emotional, and sometimes a little kindness goes a long way. When you take the time to understand a seller’s situation, it can make your offer much more appealing.
I worked with a buyer recently who bought a home from an elderly widow. She was overwhelmed by the idea of moving out and clearing decades of belongings. My client offered to help her clean out the house for free as part of the deal. This wasn’t a throwaway gesture—it was a genuine offer to make her life easier. The seller was so touched by the thoughtfulness that she chose my client’s offer, even though it wasn’t the highest.
Moral of the story? Sellers remember buyers who treat them like people. A little compassion can go a long way in a stressful situation.
4. Write a Clean Offer with Simple Terms
Okay, let’s talk about the nuts and bolts of making your offer stand out. Sellers don’t just look at the price—they’re also looking at how simple or complicated the process might be. The fewer “what-ifs” in your offer, the more appealing it becomes.
One option is to write an “as-is” offer, which means you’re not asking the seller to make repairs. Don’t worry, you can still include an inspection so you know what you’re getting into—but with an as-is offer, the seller doesn’t have to worry about fixing anything. It’s a small adjustment that can make your offer seem a lot more attractive to a seller who’s looking for a smooth transaction.
Bottom line? Sellers like clean offers. The simpler you can make things, the better your chances of standing out.
5. Add a Personal Touch
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Selling a home can be emotional for a lot of people, and sellers often want to feel like their home is going to someone who will love it as much as they did. A personal letter explaining why you love the home or how you envision your life there can make a real connection.
And sometimes, the personal touch can be even more creative, like my client at the Cat House Cafe. That unique offer stuck with the sellers because it wasn’t just about the house—it was about making a meaningful connection.
Here’s a tip: Be yourself. Let the sellers see a little bit of your personality and why their home would mean so much to you. It’s amazing how much of a difference it can make.
Let’s Make It Happen
Buying a home can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategy—and a little creativity—you can stand out from the crowd and win your dream home without breaking the bank.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your next step, I’m here to help. Together, we can craft an offer that’s tailored to your needs and stands out to sellers. Let’s make your next move a successful one!
Want to chat more about buying in the NW suburbs? Reach out anytime—I’d love to help you navigate the process. Even if you aren’t in my area, I’d be happy to connect you with a creative agent where you are, or where you want to be!
About Mari Van Meter
Mari Van Meter is an award-winning Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices American Heritage, leading the Fly Home Dragonfly team. Specializing in digital and traditional marketing, Mari focuses on NW Suburban Chicago, especially Arlington Heights. She offers exclusive off-market properties and guarantees satisfaction for buyers and sellers.
Active in her community and at Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist in Palatine, Mari supports local businesses and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For expert real estate guidance, contact Mari at 630-267-1808 or schedule a discovery call at calendly.com/marivanmeter/discovery-call.
