You’ve found the house. It’s perfect. And just as you start imagining your furniture in the living room… you hear there are already five offers on the table.
If you’ve tried house-hunting in a sought-after suburb recently, you’ll know the market can feel like a battleground. Even with higher interest rates and economic uncertainty in play, the best properties still get snapped up quickly – often with multiple offers competing for the seller’s attention.
So how do you rise above the crowd and secure your dream home without overpaying or compromising on your wish list?
According to David Jacobs, Regional Sales Manager for the Rawson Property Group, it’s all about strategy, and standing out in subtle but powerful ways.
“There are a lot of buyers out there who are technically ready to buy but haven’t thought about how to make themselves appealing to a seller,” says Jacobs. “The trick is to be more than just another offer on paper – you want to be the offer that makes the seller feel confident, secure, and maybe even a little relieved.”
Here’s how to do just that:
Be faster than fast – be ready
One of the most underrated tools in a buyer’s arsenal is prequalification.
“A seller is far more likely to consider your offer seriously if it comes with prequalification paperwork,” says Jacobs. “It shows that you’re financially vetted, motivated, and won’t waste anyone’s time.”
Even better? Have your deposit ready to go. While 100% bonds are still available in certain cases, buyers with deposits often get better interest rates – sometimes as much as 2% lower – and come across as more serious.
It’s not enough to just browse online listings. Getting to know local estate agents can give you a front-row seat to new stock – before it hits the online portals.
“We always prioritise buyers who’ve made an effort to build relationships,” says Jacobs. “They’re top of mind when something new comes in, especially if it’s going to move quickly.”
Agents may also alert you to “pocket listings” (properties not publicly listed) or give you the heads-up on properties about to be released – a critical edge in fast-paced areas.
Make flexibility your superpower
Sometimes it’s not the highest offer that wins, it’s the most accommodating one. If a seller is in a rush, offering a short transfer period might help. If they need time to find a new place, being open to a delayed occupation date or even a rent-back arrangement could clinch the deal.
“Flexibility is a big win for sellers,” Jacobs explains. “If you can make the process easier for them, they’ll remember that, even if someone else is offering a little more.”
Sweeten the deal with a bigger deposit
While most buyers stick to the standard 10% deposit, offering more upfront – if you’re able – can instantly set you apart.
“A larger deposit reduces the bank’s risk and sends a strong message to the seller that you’re financially solid and highly committed,” says Jacobs. “We’ve seen deals swing in favour of buyers who put down 15% or even 20%, even when other offers were slightly higher.”
Strike fast when it feels right
In competitive markets, hesitation can cost you your dream home. That doesn’t mean rushing into a poor decision, but if you’ve done your research, secured your finances, and know what you want, move swiftly when the right property appears.
“Indecision is one of the biggest mistakes buyers make,” says Jacobs. “The good stuff goes quickly. If you love it, chances are someone else does too.”In a market where timing, trust and tenacity matter, it’s the well-prepared buyer who wins.
“Buying a home doesn’t need to be a frustrating experience,” says Jacobs. “With the right strategy, a bit of preparation, and some emotional intelligence, you can absolutely make yourself the obvious choice – even in a bidding war.”
So go ahead: get prequalified, polish your paperwork, and maybe even start drafting that heartfelt letter. Your dream home might be closer than you think.
Hoover Spark
Wendy Luhabe\’s first step into entrepreneurship came in 1991 when she launched Bridging the Gap, a consulting firm that assists young black South Africans entering the working world. In 1993, she launched Women Investment Portfolio Holdings, the first fund to provide capital to women-owned businesses in South Africa. In 2002, she launched Africa\’s first Women-Focused Private Equity Fund. She also published her first book entitled: Defining Moments: Experiences of Black Executives in South Africa\’s Workplace. Luhabe launched her Foundation in 2002, to educate young disadvantaged black women, particularly from rural areas. In 2011, Luhabe was asked by Hillary Clinton to join the International Council on Women\’s Business Leadership (ICWBL). In 2014, she was appointed Member of the Board at The Abraaj Group, a global investment firm. In 2014, she was awarded Woman of Worth from the Jewish Achievers Awards in South Africa. In 2014, she was awarded the Lieutenant of the Victorian Order (LVO) by the British Royal Family. In 2015, she was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award at the Standard Bank Top Women Awards.