How To Make Your Offer Stand Out This Spring in a Competitive Market

Spring is in full swing—and so is the housing market. Here’s how to stand out and secure your dream home.

As temperatures rise, so does buyer activity. Spring is traditionally one of the busiest seasons in real estate, and this year is no exception. With more buyers jumping back into the market, the competition is real—and serious.

If you’re planning to buy this spring, you’ll need more than just a pre-approval and a dream home Pinterest board. You’ll need a strategy that positions you to win.

With over 20 years of experience representing luxury buyers and sellers in highly competitive markets from Boston’s Back Bay to Rancho Santa Fe, I know exactly what it takes to craft an offer that gets noticed—and accepted. Here are four proven strategies I share with my clients to help them stand out.

1. Skip the Lowball—Lead with Your Best

In this market, there’s little room for guesswork or low offers. While it might be tempting to start low and negotiate up, that tactic can backfire quickly. A seller may take offense—or worse, dismiss your offer entirely.

Think of your offer as the first impression. A competitive offer, backed by local market insights, signals that you’re serious and well-informed. I work closely with my clients to analyze comps, understand current trends, and find the sweet spot between fair market value and strategic advantage.

🗝 Pro Tip: In hot markets like La Jolla and Del Mar, where desirable homes receive multiple offers, starting strong can mean the difference between getting the keys or going back to the drawing board.

2. Use an Escalation Clause Strategically

Worried about a bidding war? One way to stay competitive without overcommitting upfront is to include an escalation clause in your offer. This clause automatically increases your bid by a set increment if another offer comes in higher—up to a ceiling you’re comfortable with.

It’s a smart way to stay in the game without overpaying, but it needs to be used with precision. We’ll evaluate the property's value, discuss your comfort zone, and decide whether this strategy aligns with your financial goals.

💬 “Escalation clauses are like silent auction bids—they’re private, precise, and powerful when used properly.”

3. Rethink Concessions—Less Is Often More

In a multiple-offer scenario, the "cleanest" offer often wins. That means fewer contingencies and minimal demands. Asking for too many seller-paid concessions, repairs, or special terms might cause your offer to be pushed to the bottom of the pile.

We’ll review what's reasonable and what’s risky, balancing your needs with what’s working in the local market. In San Diego’s luxury neighborhoods, I’ve seen buyers win simply because they kept their offer clean and respectful of the seller’s position.

4. Flex Your Timeline to Fit the Seller’s

Sometimes, it's not just about money—it’s about timing. If you can accommodate the seller’s preferred move-out or closing date, you instantly become more attractive.

Whether it’s offering a rent-back period in Rancho Santa Fe or a quick close in Beacon Hill, aligning with the seller’s ideal timeline can give your offer a personal edge.

🕰 Flexibility here is often worth more than a few extra thousand dollars.

Bottom Line: This Spring, Strategy Wins

With inventory still tight and competition heating up, buying a home this spring means being proactive, prepared, and partnered with the right agent.

If you’re ready to make a move, I’d love to help you create an offer that stands out—and gets accepted. Let’s talk strategy.

Inspired by KeepingCurrentMatters.com.

📩 Contact me today to start the conversation.

Melinda Sarkis
[email protected]
(617) 943-8333

Join the List!

Stay on top of the latest real estate trends and get exclusive insights from industry expert Melinda Sarkis! Sign up for our newsletter today and never miss a beat. Join our community of savvy homeowners, investors, and real estate enthusiasts and get the inside scoop delivered straight to your inbox. Don't wait, Sign Up Now!