How to Win a Bidding War on a House | Tips from Kat Moore Realtor®
- Kat Moore — The German Realtor®
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
Facing a bidding war in Maryland? Learn how to win with pre-approval, smart strategies, and Realtor® Kat Moore’s expert tips — without overpaying for your dream home.
💡 Spoiler alert: it’s not about bribing the seller with cookies (though hey, it can’t hurt).
If you’ve been house-hunting lately, you know competition is fierce. Low inventory + high demand = bidding wars that can make buyers feel like they’re competing on a reality TV show instead of trying to buy a place to live.
But don’t panic. With the right prep, strategy, and yes, Realtor® (hi, that’s me 👋), you can position yourself to win. Here’s how.
Why Bidding Wars Happen
Let’s set the scene. In Maryland (especially around Anne Arundel, Howard, and Fort Meade), homes in good condition and in the right price range attract a lot of interest. Sellers end up with multiple offers, which drives the price up and buyers’ stress levels through the roof.
Winning isn’t just about having the most money — it’s about being the most attractive buyer overall.
1. Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
A pre-qualification is like a casual conversation with a lender: “Yeah, I think you can afford this.” Pre-approval, on the other hand, is the lender saying, “We’ve checked your paperwork, run your credit, and you’re good to go.”
In a bidding war, sellers don’t want maybe-buyers. They want solid, serious buyers. That’s you — with a pre-approval letter in hand.
2. Work with the Right Realtor® (That’s Me 😉)
Having an experienced Realtor® on your side is your biggest advantage. Why? Because I know how to:
Write a clean, strong offer that gets noticed.
Communicate with the listing agent to find out what’s really important to the seller (sometimes it’s not just the price).
Help you stay competitive without overpaying.
Think of me as your coach in this high-stakes game.
3. Sweeten the Deal Without Just Raising the Price
Money matters, but terms matter too. Here are ways to stand out:
Higher earnest money deposit: shows commitment.
Flexible closing timeline: if the seller needs time, you give them time.
Sometimes these little concessions beat out an extra $5,000 in price.
4. Keep Contingencies in Check (But Don’t Be Reckless)
Contingencies protect you, but too many can scare off a seller.
Inspection: Instead of waiving it, consider a shorter inspection period or focus on major issues only.
Financing: If you’re solid, keep it clean and simple.
Appraisal: Be realistic. Escalation clauses can help bridge the gap here.
Pro tip: Waiving everything can backfire. Balance is key.
6. Know Your Numbers (and Your Limits) 💰
This is where discipline comes in.
Escalation clauses: Let you automatically outbid others up to a set cap.
Budget boundaries: Decide your max before emotions take over.
Walk-away power: Sometimes the win is knowing when not to overpay.
📌 Bottom Line
Winning a bidding war isn’t about writing the biggest check. It’s about being smart, prepared, and flexible. With a strong Realtor® on your side, you can compete with confidence — and land the home you love without losing your sanity.
Kat Moore | Realtor | Advisor
Samson Properties
📞 410-414-5967 (cell), 443-975-7555 (office)
The Kat Walk To Homeownership
Disclaimer
This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects my perspective as a licensed real estate agent. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and regulations can change, and individual circumstances vary. Please consult a licensed tax professional, attorney, or other qualified advisor for advice specific to your situation.
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