Dear Jan:

I am getting ready to buy a home. I have heard that the market is picking up and that many times when a home is listed it is sold in the first few days with multiple offers.

Is there a way to get the seller to take my offer over someone else’s if I find something I want to buy? — LDP

Dear LDP:

It’s true. The market has really picked up. My business is booming! I personally have written a few offers in the past few weeks where there was more than one offer.

The name of the game is to have the best offer. One might think that “best” is all about the money. Not necessarily. “Best” could mean an offer with a fast closing date. Or no inspection contingency. Of course, cash could mean “best” as most of the time there is no appraisal. Many times, as the broker presents the offer, he or she gives details about the buyers and how much they love the home. The sellers then may feel a bond to the buyers and choose their offer.

Bottom line, your broker writes the offer with your needs in mind and presents it in the best light possible to get you a win.

Best wishes!

— Jan Zufelt is an agent with John L. Scott Real Estate in Kingston. Contact her at janz@johnlscott.com