5 Ways Buyers Can Stand Out in a Multiple-Offer Spring Market

Written by Ashley Webber

With the spring market quickly approaching, we’re already seeing more multiple-offer situations on listings across Edmonton. If you’ve shopped in a spring market before, you know the pressure and stress that can come with it.

Spring is typically the busiest time of year for buyers—everyone emerging from winter hibernation, pre-approval letters in hand, touring every new listing, submitting offers, and hoping for the best.

Let’s talk about five ways you can make your offer stand out. Because losing multiple offer after multiple offer is exhausting—and it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right preparation and strategy, you can put yourself in a much stronger position, even in a “bidding war.”

#1 – Get Pre-Approved Before You Step Foot in a Home

This is, without question, one of the most important steps you can take as a buyer. Shopping for homes without a completed pre-approval (unless you’re purchasing with cash) often leads to wasted time—for you, your agent, and the sellers.

In a multiple-offer situation, submitting an offer with a financing condition without a pre-approval letter puts you at an immediate disadvantage. It can signal uncertainty or unnecessary risk, which is often enough to move your offer to the bottom of the pile.

Pro Tip: Ask your Realtor for their recommended mortgage broker. When your Realtor and mortgage broker have a strong working relationship, communication is smoother, timelines are tighter, and your offer appears far more solid to the seller.

#2 – Keep Your Offer Clean (Fewer Conditions = Stronger Offer)

In competitive situations, clean offers win. The fewer conditions you include—and the shorter the condition period—the more attractive your offer becomes.

Avoid extras like professional cleaning, paint touch-ups, or minor repairs. While reasonable in a balanced market, these requests can hurt your chances when sellers have multiple offers to choose from.

When deciding on conditions, consider your comfort level and risk tolerance:

• Can your financing condition be shortened?
  
• What’s the shortest realistic condition period?
  
• Can the inspection be completed on a tighter timeline?
  

Pro Tip: Pre-book your inspection before submitting an offer. This allows you to remove conditions in as little as 2–3 days, or sooner. Some buyers even opt for an express inspection during the showing to reduce risk while staying competitive.

At the end of the day, sellers want certainty. The cleaner and more decisive your offer looks, the easier it is for them to say yes.

#3 – Lead With Your Strongest Price

In a multiple-offer situation, buyers often need to offer more than they would if they were the only offer on the table. A common question I hear is: “How much should I offer?”

The truth is, we never know what other buyers are offering. They could be at asking price—or far above it. Since you can’t control competing offers, the focus needs to be on your comfort level.

Ask yourself: What’s the highest price I’d be comfortable paying for this home? The number where, if someone else beat you by a dollar, you’d feel they simply wanted it more—not that you lost.

That’s your number. And that’s the price you should lead with.

Pro Tip: In competitive markets, there’s rarely room to negotiate up later. Leading strong from the start shows confidence and reduces the chance of losing out.

#4 – Understand What the Seller Truly Wants

Price matters—but it’s not the only thing sellers care about. Often, the winning offer is the one that makes the seller’s life easiest.

Possession date is a big factor. Do they need extra time to move, or are they hoping for a quick closing? Flexibility here can be just as valuable as price.

Look for ways to reduce friction. Is there a playground set, hot tub, or item they’d rather not remove? Allowing them to leave it behind can save time and stress without costing you more.

A strong deposit also helps. It signals financial strength and reassures the seller that you’re serious.

This is where an experienced Realtor adds real value. Your agent can uncover these details and help structure an offer that goes beyond price—one that feels easy and low-risk for the seller.

#5 – Write a Thoughtful Letter to the Seller

Sellers often know very little about buyers beyond names and lender information. A thoughtful letter can help create a personal connection.

For long-time homeowners, knowing who will live in their home next can matter. Sharing what you love about the home, the neighbourhood, and why you can picture your life there can help humanize your offer.

While buyer letters won’t sway every seller, in the right situation, they can provide a meaningful edge, and put you ahead of another offer with similar price and terms.

Final Thoughts From Ashley Webber

Spring markets are competitive, fast-moving, and emotional—but success doesn’t come down to luck. Preparation, strategy, and understanding what matters most to sellers can dramatically improve your chances.

By securing your pre-approval early, keeping your offer clean, leading with your strongest price, understanding the seller’s priorities, and making a personal connection when appropriate, you can compete confidently—even in multiple-offer situations.

If you’re planning to buy this spring and want guidance on how to position your offer strategically, working with the right team can make all the difference.