How to create competitive SFH offer in current market?

[Sean Payne]

Active Duty military using VA Loan to purchase first single family home. What are some creative/strong ways to be competitive with offers in current seller's market? We've offered $2-6k over listing price not to exceed $2k over appraised value. (Our real estate agent informed us that our last offer didn't get considered because it was VA, sellers not necessarily interested in potentially having more work to do for VA approval when others are offering listing prices and above, cash, etc.) Any and all suggestions/insight welcomed. Thanks in advance!

[Dustin Allen]

@Sean Payne

Your agent needs to help educate the listing agents about your offer and financing. Consider having the listing agent call your lender and have them explain the VA process. It has improved greatly over the past years and is not nearly as big of an issue as it has been historically.

My last VA purchase appraisal was super easy on a house that had some wear and tear. It passed no problem and the appraisal was done twice as fast as a normal appraisal in our market.

Write a letter to the sellers with your offers too and sooner or later you will find someone who wants to sell to a veteran even if it means $5-10k less than another offer.

Best of luck and thank you for your service!