What it takes to make a strong home offer in 2026

Buying a home is a major financial decision, and most buyers want to avoid a move they may regret later. Many have heard the housing market is no longer as competitive as it was a few years ago, but they still want to avoid wasting time on offers that won’t be accepted.

So, what does it take to win a bid in 2026? How can buyers make a strong offer without overpaying or stretching their budget too far?

As 2026 gets underway, more housing markets have cooled, which may create new opportunities for buyers. Even so, conditions vary widely for real estate markets by region — and even by neighborhood. Supply and demand remain uneven, making it important to pay close attention to local trends.

Here are several strategies buyers can use to craft strong, competitive offers in 2026.

Start strong

Desirable homes continue to attract multiple offers, so buyers should make sure their foundation is solid before submitting a bid. Those who plan to finance a purchase should secure a mortgage preapproval in advance. Working with a real estate agent who has strong local expertise is also critical, as buyers often rely on that knowledge to navigate neighborhood-level trends.

Buyers may also consider offering a higher amount of earnest money, or making it nonrefundable, to strengthen their offer. Doing homework ahead of time helps as well — knowing exactly which neighborhoods are a priority and which home features are negotiable can save time and reduce stress once bidding begins.

“A buyer needs to have a clear plan of what they need and want — they aren’t the same,” said addressUSA president Paul Huntsman. “Based on that understanding, buyers should get pre-qualified with a mortgage company so they know what they can actually buy.”

In 2026, buyers who can remain flexible often have an edge over those who are unprepared or unwilling to work with sellers. Standing firm on major issues is still important — buyers do not need to waive inspections to win a bidding war on their dream home. But identifying areas where compromise is possible can help a strong offer stand out in a competitive market.

Be strategic about pricing

Winning over a seller is not always about making the highest offer. Unlike the pandemic-era competition that left many buyers losing bidding war after bidding war, the housing market in 2026 is not as cutthroat. In many markets, buyers can submit winning offers without paying far above the asking price.

Instead, buyers should focus on what matters most to the seller. Some sellers may be facing time constraints or trying to coordinate the sale of their current home with the purchase of their next one. In softer markets, sellers may also be cautious of buyers who demand a laundry list of extensive repairs or concessions.

The key is to work with a real estate agent to understand the seller’s priorities and craft an offer that aligns with their needs.

Be careful when personalizing an offer

Experienced agents often caution buyers against relying too heavily on “love letters” to sellers that appeal to emotion or personal circumstances. Including personal details or family photos can introduce unintended bias into the transaction.

Fair housing laws exist to protect buyers and sellers from discrimination, and overly personal offers can put a sale at risk.

“Personal touches to an offer can help a buyer with the right seller,” said Huntsman. “Have your agent work with the seller’s agent to learn the best approach. In other words, ‘ask first.’”

Instead, buyers should focus on strengthening the terms of the deal rather than sharing personal stories. A faster closing timeline or cleaner contract terms often carry more weight with sellers than a personalized letter.

Finance with finesse

Some buyers worry that financing may weaken their offer, especially when competing against all-cash bids. In reality, most homebuyers use a mortgage. Nationwide, 72% of homes are purchased with financing, according to the National Association of Realtors.¹

Rather than focusing on the inability to pay in cash, buyers can look for ways to make a financed offer more appealing. A larger down payment can signal financial strength and improve the likelihood of mortgage approval, which helps reassure sellers that the deal will move forward as planned.

Some lenders also offer preapprovals that are nearly fully underwritten, giving sellers added confidence that the buyer is ready to close. Even the lender’s reputation for smooth, on-time closings can help strengthen an offer and ease seller concerns.

Negotiating know-how

Winning a deal often requires persistence. Buyers should not walk away at the first sign of pushback, especially when the goal is to reach terms both sides can accept. Negotiation often involves a little give and take.

When a seller counters an offer, buyers should pause before accepting or rejecting it. A counteroffer creates an opportunity to find common ground and move closer to an agreement. With guidance from a skilled real estate agent, a counteroffer is simply part of the process — not a setback.

Reacting emotionally or stepping away too quickly can cost buyers a deal, particularly when other, more engaged buyers remain in the mix.

Lean on local expertise

In 2026, expert real estate agents remain one of the strongest weapons buyers can use to win competitive offers. Their deep market knowledge allows agents to identify accurate comparable listings and help buyers price offers more strategically. They’ll also know how quickly homes are selling in a given area and can communicate quickly and effectively with listing agents.

A skilled real estate agent can help buyers craft more creative and targeted offers, whether that means adjusting certain contingencies or identifying incentives that win over sellers.

“Like every expert, one of the best ways to learn is through failure,” Huntsman explained. “Experienced agents have seen the pitfalls an offer can fall into and know how to avoid the trouble upfront.”

For buyers looking to stand out and secure the right home, working with the right agent can make all the difference.

Ready to make a strong offer in 2026? A knowledgeable local real estate agent can help buyers navigate pricing, negotiations and market conditions with confidence. Learn more ataddressUSA.

Footnotes

¹ Where Are Buyers Paying Cash for Homes?, https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/where-are-buyers-paying-cash-for-homes. Accessed January 2026.