3 key strategies buyers are using to stand out

If you’re thinking about buying a home in 2025, you’ve probably heard it’s still a competitive market. Multiple offers, quick decisions, and rising demand mean buyers need to put their best foot forward from the start. So, what exactly makes a winning real estate offer these days? Here’s what I’ve been seeing work:

💵 1. A Strong Earnest Money Deposit

Buyers are putting down at least 2% of the purchase price as earnest money. This shows sellers they’re serious and financially committed. A stronger deposit can give your offer an edge, especially when sellers are comparing multiple bids.

🔍 2. Waiving the Inspection Contingency

Instead of adding an inspection contingency to the offer, some buyers are doing a pre-inspection before submitting. This reassures sellers the deal is less likely to fall through, while still giving buyers peace of mind about the home’s condition.

✅ 3. Fully Underwritten Pre-Approval

Not all pre-approvals are created equal. A fully underwritten pre-approval (also called conditional mortgage approval) is the most comprehensive. It tells sellers that your financing is nearly guaranteed, making your offer much stronger than one backed by just a basic pre-qualification.

✨ The Bottom Line

In today’s real estate market, the offers that win are the ones that minimize uncertainty for the seller while showing financial strength from the buyer.

📩 Have questions about making a competitive offer in New Jersey? Send me a message — I’d love to walk you through the process and help you create an offer that stands out.