Ways For Making Creative Real Estate Offers
2026
If competition is fierce in your market, or you just want to try and pay a little less than full price, think outside the box. Here are three ways you can make creative real estate offers that increase your odds of getting the home you want. It’s not always about the almighty dollar. Sometimes, terms and conditions can help seal a deal.
1. Be flexible about the escrow period. Has the seller bought a home? Do they want to be in it before school starts? Are they nervous about carrying two mortgages? If so, the seller may be motivated to accept less on a purchase price if you can close in 30 days. On the other hand, you may realize the seller has not figured out where they’re going after the sale, or they may be buying a home under construction and need a longer close. In those situations, offer a 120-day or longer closing if you can.
2. Rent back to the seller. What if the seller can’t afford to buy a new home without completing this sale? Offer the seller a quick close and then rent the home back to them for up to 90 days. Most sellers would love that flexibility. And if you’re currently a renter, you’ll likely have to make your first mortgage payment simultaneously with your last rent payment anyway. So if there’s no rush on your end, be open to allowing the seller to stay in the home.
3. Make life easy for the seller.
Try to imagine all that might come between your offer and the closing. Look for opportunities to make the seller’s life easier, and they may accept a price reduction.
4. Ask questions. The more information you have, the more creative you can be in your offer. Ask lots of questions of the listing agent, to find out as much as you can about the seller’s situation. Try to get inside the seller’s head. What are their needs, must have’s and wants? Why are they selling? Where will they move? What is their time frame? A good listing agent will know their clients ‘big picture’ and gladly answer your questions.
