As a service-based business, it’s natural to want to share only the wins, but it’s just as important to be honest about the tough moments, too. If you’ve been house hunting lately, you know how tough the market is.

Last week, my buyers offered $100,000 over asking with excellent terms — strong down payment, no formal inspection, and a flexible closing — for a home they truly loved. It wasn’t a bidding war, but there was competition, and comparable sales supported the offer. So, we led with a strong and serious offer.

Then, we lost — to an all-cash buyer.

We regrouped, removed the escalation clause (since $20k over all-cash wasn’t enough of an incentive), increased the appraisal gap waiver, and authorized the listing agent to verify the buyer’s finances with our lender. At that point, we had an accepted offer.

We inspected the home first thing the next morning, but by the following day, the all-cash buyer came back with an even higher offer — and we lost the home. It was a tough blow for my buyers (who are like family to me), but I’ve seen this before. I’m confident we’ll find them an even better home soon.

This market is challenging — but with persistence, it will happen. Stay tuned.