Sell yourself. Even when they have multiple offers, today’s sellers will take a lower offer that looks certain to close over a higher offer that has no chance of closing. No seller wants to waste their time on a buyer/offer who can’t close and then have to put their home back on the market 30 or 40 days later.

If you want a bargain, sell yourself and your offer – make a convincing case that you are likely and able to close the deal! Make sure your agent presents a polished, computer-prepared offer (if that’s the standard in your area) – this demonstrates that they have the professionalism and up-to-date market knowledge it takes to get a sale closed these days. Make sure the offer package presented to the seller includes a polished, thorough loan approval letter, which confirms that your credit, employment, income and down payment funds have all been verified and approved for a home loan.

Also, make sure that your agent and loan broker emphasize features of your qualifications and your offer that render it more likely than average to close. Some sellers frown on FHA and VA loans, because they have a reputation of being tough to close. If you are approved for a conventional (i.e., non FHA) loan, your offer should say that. If you have a large down payment, or are paying cash, your offer and your agent should bring that to the listing agent’s attention, too.