How Much Over Asking Should I Offer in This Market?

One of the most common buyer questions I get is, “How much over asking should we offer?” The answer: it depends on the local momentum.

If the property’s new, beautifully staged, and getting attention, you’ll probably need to come in strong — but not necessarily sky-high. I usually run a quick comparison of recent sales, showing what homes actually sold for, not just list prices.

In most cases, a clean offer with fewer conditions beats a wild number. I’ve seen many buyers win by staying smart, not emotional. The goal isn’t to pay the most — it’s to pay what it’s worth to you, and have it accepted.