Austin Housing Marketing: How to win in a multi-offer battle?

People love Austin.

That’s great news for the city but presents some unique challenges for buyers. Whether you’re upgrading or downsizing within the greater Austin area or relocating to this beautiful metropolis, buying a home means far more than just finding someplace you love.

It means strategically planning how to actually acquire that home for your new beginning. Because you very likely are not the only one who loves it! Multiple offers are now the norm at every price point, in every neighborhood. So how do you prepare to win in a multi-offer battle?

  1. If you aren’t paying cash, get fully pre-approved and not just pre-qualified. Lots of buyers are coming in with cash offers and a pre-qualified loan just doesn’t compete. Talk with your lender and be sure you have secured the financing you need to compete against cash offers so you don’t have to be contingent on your loan.
  2. Minimize your contingencies. Some buyers are ready to purchase without contingencies. Recognize that a seller will lean toward a quick and sure sale and be prepared to make that more likely with your offer.
  3. Offer more than the list price. It can be that simple. Knowing that you will be in competition for homes means showing sellers that you are serious about purchasing. Don’t get shut out in the first round with a too-low offer.
  4. Go in with the highest and best. Your realtor can give you up to the minute information on offers and advise you on what to propose to keep you out of a lengthy competition.
  5. Consider signing an appraisal waiver. Appraisals may not be aligned to the speed of the market and you want to be able to favorably compete with cash offers that don’t require an appraisal. Appraisals will catch up with the pendings, but your offer can’t wait.
  6. Create a personal connection with the seller. Your realtor can find out if the seller needs a leaseback or has any other special circumstances you can meet to make your offer more attractive. Consider a personal pitch along with your financial offer. Sellers are people, too, and sometimes heartfelt stories can make the difference!
  7. Don’t be afraid of a backup position. You can’t win if you aren’t in the game and the offer that gets accepted may be withdrawn, leaving you the winner!

Buying a home can be a highly emotional experience and adding the challenge of winning a multiple offer battle can make it even more daunting. Work with your realtor to ensure you are mentally and financially prepared to position yourself as strongly as possible. With extra preparation and a strong strategy, you’ll find yourself winning the home of your dreams.

If you’re in need of a realtor that can be in your corner, contact us at intelligentrealestate.com to chat more!

About the Author

With over 20 years of experience in real estate, Anne-Marie is the quintessential partner. She couples rock-solid negotiation skills with deep empathy for her clients, and she brings that same commitment to partnering with her agents.


Anne-Marie recruits only the best agents—regardless where they are in their careers—building a family of realtors who truly showcase an intelligent approach to real estate. She offers each agent consistent mentoring and coaching with an eye toward continuous growth and improvement. “When you have values, you add value,” says John Wilson, IRE agent. “I see Anne-Marie as a true partner, and that’s definitely different from other brokerages.” 


Knowing that every agent and every deal deserves a customized approach, Anne-Marie provides professional, creative marketing strategies, tailored to meet the needs of each agent and opportunity. She is passionate about building a brokerage that genuinely meets the needs of both agents and clients.


Anne-Marie has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Public Relations from Louisiana State University. She maintains several real estate certifications, notably the CRS© (Certified Residential Specialist), a designation retained by the top 3% of realtors across the country, and the Million Dollar Guild-Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, recognizing her upper-tier expertise in the luxury ($1M and above) home market.


Family comes first with Anne-Marie. She and Craig have been married for 21 years, and together they are the proud parents of two busy daughters, Mary Hadley (15), and Emma Rose (12).


Professional Awards & Certifications