How A Realtor Can Help Guarantee Your Bid Wins
From the end of 2024 into the beginning of 2025, we’ve seen a drastic increase in competitiveness within the housing market. Buyers may find themselves having a harder time winning their bids on their dream house, and they may struggle more with steps like financing or negotiations. There are many houses available in the market, but will you be able to secure the win on your ideal house?
While working with a realtor can make your home search a smoother process, locating the best houses in your area that fit your needs, they’re also an essential factor in helping you win a bid. For buyers that want to ensure their bid for a home is successful, we’re going to break down the reasons why the right realtor is key. Let’s dive into it.
How the Right Realtor Can Help You Win
Pre-Approval Assistance
In today’s fast-moving real estate market, buyers need to act quickly and strategically to have their offers seriously considered. One of the most effective ways to stand out is by securing a fully underwritten pre-approval before even beginning your home search. Real estate agents can guide you through this process and help position you for success, providing information regarding the documents needed and assistance with any questions. It’s also equally important that you understand the difference between pre-qualification and true pre-approval prior to doing so.
Pre-qualification is an informal process where you provide basic financial information to a lender, but there’s no in-depth verification or credit check. While it can be a helpful first step to connect with an agent, it doesn’t carry much weight in a competitive bidding situation. A pre-approval, on the other hand, involves a more thorough review including a credit check and documentation by a loan officer. Even stronger is a fully underwritten pre-approval, where the lender’s underwriter has already reviewed and approved your loan, pending only the property details.
This fully underwritten status signals to sellers that you’re a serious, qualified buyer and minimizes the risk of delays or surprises during the closing process. If you’re aiming to make the strongest offer possible and reduce stress throughout your homebuying journey, ask your mortgage lender for a fully underwritten pre-approval from the start. The right realtor will encourage you to take these steps as quickly as possible.
Negotiations
When buying a home, it’s essential to work with a real estate agent who represents you exclusively. Your own agent is your advocate throughout the process; negotiating on your behalf, protecting your interests, and helping you make informed decisions every step of the way. This kind of dedicated representation is especially important when navigating offers, inspections, and contracts.
Relying on a dual agent (someone who represents both the buyer and the seller) can create a serious conflict of interest. While they may appear neutral, their fiduciary duty is ultimately to the seller, meaning they are obligated to secure the best price and terms for the seller, not for you. That’s why it’s never in a buyer’s best interest to use the seller’s agent; having your own trusted representative gives you the strongest position in any real estate transaction.
Offers Tailored to You
Understanding the seller’s perspective is key to making a strong, competitive offer. An experienced real estate agent can uncover what matters most to the seller— such as a quick closing, flexibility on repairs, or specific terms— and help tailor your offer to align with those priorities. This targeted approach can make your bid more attractive, even in a multiple-offer situation.
With in-depth knowledge of the local market, your agent can also help you determine a fair and competitive offer price based on recent comparable sales. In addition, by maintaining open communication with the seller’s agent, they can gather insights that inform your strategy and give you an edge when it comes time to negotiate.
Conclusion: Work with the Right Realtor, Win Your Dream Home
In a competitive housing market, having the right real estate agent by your side can make all the difference. From securing a strong pre-approval to crafting a tailored, strategic offer, a skilled realtor helps you stand out and win the home you’ve been dreaming of.
Need to find a realtor in Houston, Texas, with the expertise and knowledge necessary for successful house bids? Oscar Combs Realtor is the right candidate for you. Contact us today to begin the search for your dream home.
