Getting VA Offers Accepted in Competitive Market?

[John Fabros]

Been shopping for a personal purchase and getting a little frustrated trying to get my VA financed offers accepted.

Last loss was a nearly immaculate three-unit (basement needed a fridge) listed at 1.1 mil. Offered 1.1 with escalation up to 1.4, incremented at 26.5k, as-is, no inspection contingency, VA financing contingency, 21 day close, seller preferred settlement agent. Lender had gotten us through automated underwriting and compliance review so really the only last piece needed was VA appraisal.

Had the lender give LA a call and explain our financing and why not to be worried about the appraisal given that the property was safe and functional (throw in a fridge the day before inspection). I should've called LA right after just to reassure that we would take care of any surprises, or included that in writing (cover up to x in VA-required repairs), but didn't.

Ended up beating all 13 other offers on price, but seller still took a lower but clean offer (not sure if cash or conventional without appraisal contingency). Any advice on what I could have done differently or do better next time?