Holy smoke! Have you seen how quickly well-prepared and well-priced housing inventory is flying off the market? And have you seen the multiple offers escalating above the original asking price?

Understandably, home owners are licking their chops. The atmosphere of selling certainly has its appeal for immaculately maintained properties priced to attract buyers. 

The flip side to this, of course, for buyers, is wondering: "How many offers will we write before we present the winning offer? How much above the asking price are we willing offer before we hit the point of walking away from it?"

These are questions that come with the territory, but the course is different for each client with whom I am fortunate enough to represent. 

For some, it is like my first track race in high school, where I hit half the hurdles, but swiftly got back in the game to cross the finish line. For others, perhaps it is worth considering properties that need some cosmetic improvement, but come at a lower price and without competition driving the price skyward. Perhaps it is worth looking at neighborhoods near their target neighborhoods. And for others, it requires simplifying the terms of their offer.

Presenting a unique set of strategies to my clients is an exercise I've been familiar with since my early days of providing strategic counsel to corporate clients - for situations ranging from minivan fires to international trade disputes. Each situation is different from the next. There is no set prescription. But there is ongoing analysis and conversation to pursue the strategies that work best - for buyers and sellers.