When a listing agent calls for “highest and best” offers, the seller is asking every buyer to put their strongest terms on the table by a deadline. It can feel like pressure to bid blindly. It does not have to be. We have run these deadlines from the seller side and written them from the buyer side, so here is how to approach one.
Know what the house is worth before the deadline
Pull recent sales of similar homes. Decide your maximum price based on facts, not on the fear of losing. If the home is already priced at or above what comparable homes sold for, a bidding war is the wrong place to stretch.
Price is not the only term that matters
- Certainty: a strong pre-approval or proof of funds
- Earnest money: a meaningful deposit signals commitment
- Timing: a closing date that fits the seller’s plans
- Fewer contingencies: only where you can safely reduce them
- Inspection approach: a shorter period or a limited-repairs request, if you are comfortable
Do not waive protections you cannot afford to lose
Waiving the inspection or the appraisal contingency can make an offer more appealing, but it also puts your money at risk. Understand exactly what you are giving up and what it could cost you.
Write a clean offer
Make it easy for the seller to say yes. A clear contract, a reasonable closing date and good communication all help. A personal letter does not hurt, but do not use it to say anything about neighbors, family or other personal characteristics that could cross fair housing lines.
Have a walk-away number
The best offer is the one you can live with if you win. Decide your limit beforehand and stick to it.
We help buyers with competing offers across Metro Atlanta. See our page for move-in ready homes or tell us about the house you want.
Nil Patel is a licensed Georgia real estate salesperson with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners. This post is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice, and nothing here is a commitment to lend.