What Makes a Strong Offer (Beyond Just the Price)

By Lisa DiBiase

If you’re planning to buy a home this fall or winter, you’ve probably heard that you need to “come in strong” with your offer. But what does this actually mean?

Most assume it’s all about price, but when inventory is tight and multiple offers are still on the table, sellers (and their agents) are looking for more than just the dollar amount. A strong offer isn’t always the highest one; it could feel the most solid, the least risky, and the most likely to close smoothly. That’s especially true in today’s real estate market, where many sellers are balancing tight timelines, rising costs, or even trying to coordinate a move across seasons. A thoughtful, well-structured offer can stand out, even if it isn’t the biggest number on paper.

Here are the key elements we see every day that make an offer stand out in Maine’s real estate market.

1. Solid Financing

If you’re financing your purchase, getting pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) is essential. Sellers want to know you’ve already done the financial legwork, and that a lender has reviewed your income, credit, and debt. A pre-approval letter from a reputable local lender goes a long way. Even better: if you’re flexible on your financing options, your REALTOR® can tailor your offer to appeal to the seller’s timeline and needs.

2. A Clean Inspection Window

Most buyers want a home inspection…as they should! However, a lengthy inspection period or a vague list of potential repair demands can deter sellers. A strong offer keeps the inspection timeline short (usually 5 to 7 days) and clarifies your intentions. Are you just looking for major structural or safety issues? Are you asking for only health and safety repairs? Putting this in writing helps the seller feel more comfortable and less likely to be surprised later.

3. Earnest Money That Shows You’re Serious

An earnest money deposit is your way of showing the seller you’re committed. It’s typically 1 to 3 percent of the purchase price and gets credited to your closing costs. The higher the deposit, the greater the seller's confidence that you won’t walk away without cause. It’s not required to be large, but offering a little more can sometimes give you an edge, especially if other terms are similar to competing offers.

4. Flexibility With the Close Date

Sometimes it’s not about how fast you can close; it’s about what works best for the seller. A family trying to line up their next move might need a few extra weeks. A vacant home might be ready to go. If you’re able to be flexible with your timeline, your REALTOR® can offer that on your terms. Sellers appreciate buyers who are willing to work with their schedule, and that can make your offer more attractive than one with a rigid closing date.

5. Fewer Contingencies

The fewer roadblocks you add to your offer, the more appealing it becomes. That doesn’t mean you should give up protections but it does mean you should approach them thoughtfully. Contingencies for selling another home, long appraisal gaps, or unclear financing clauses can sometimes raise red flags and cause a seller to become hesitant. Your REALTOR® can help you decide what’s truly necessary and what can be streamlined to help your offer come across as clean and reliable. It’s all about reducing uncertainty for the seller. When your offer feels easy to work with, it’s more likely to rise to the top, especially if other offers come with more unknowns.

6. A Personal Touch (Sometimes)

Some sellers appreciate a short, kind note from the buyer, especially if the home has been in the family a long time. Others prefer to keep it business-only. Your REALTOR® will know what’s appropriate for the situation, but if the sellers are emotionally connected to the home, a personal letter can help your offer stand out.

A Strong Offer is a Smart Offer

It’s really easy to get caught up in numbers but remember sellers want to feel confident and comfortable that the offer they accept will result in a smooth closing. When you put thought into your financing, flexibility, and how you structure your terms, you’re already ahead of the game!

As I have said before, please call a local REALTOR® for all your real estate needs no matter how big or small. We are trained professionals here to make your life easier. It's best to surround yourself with the right team of professionals that can continuously give you the right advice for all your circumstances.

This article was brought to you by Lisa DiBiase, Broker/Co-Owner of Landing Real Estate. Lisa and her team proudly represent buyers and sellers across the Greater Portland, Lakes Region, and beyond. For all your real estate needs, contact Lisa at Lisa@LandingHomesMaine.com or call 207-775-SOLD. <