How to make a winning offer

[James Z.]

Hi, we are very interested in small 2-4 units multi-family homes in the CA SF Bay Area. If the seller agent has received multiple offers, how we can write an offer (offer amount, contingencies, terms, ... ) to increase the chance to win but without overpaying unnecessarily? Thank you and any input is much appreciated!

[Brian Garlington]

P.S............Some Realtor's will tell you to remove all contingencies and offer over asking price, etc.   I NEVER tell a client to remove all contingencies. I don't care how "hot" the market is....you always protect yourself with at least an inspection contingency and an appraisal contigency. When buying a 2-4 unit...your offer needs to make snse to you....not the seller. If your Realtor is telling you something different....find a different Realtor to work with.