How to Get Your Offer Picked in Edmond & OKC’s Competitive Spring Market
If you’ve been paying attention to the real estate buzz around Edmond and OKC, you already know—spring is go-time.
Every year, this season brings a flood of eager buyers and competitive listings. And while it’s an exciting time to find your next home, it can also be a bit overwhelming. You see the perfect listing pop up… only to hear it's under contract within 24 hours. Sound familiar?
So what do you do to make your offer rise to the top?
Over the years, I’ve helped many buyers successfully navigate our local market—even when inventory is tight and bidding wars are the norm. And let me tell you: it's all about being strategic and prepared.
Below, I’m breaking down a handful of smart, proven tactics to help your offer stand out in the crowd. Think of it as your menu of winning strategies. (You don’t need to use them all—just the ones that fit your situation.)
1️⃣ Work with a Local Lender Who Can Close Quickly
When you're competing in a hot market, time matters—a lot. Sellers aren’t just looking at price; they’re looking at how smoothly and quickly you can close.
A local lender who knows the area, understands the pace of the market, and can communicate efficiently with all parties involved is a huge advantage.
Many out-of-state or online lenders can take longer to process paperwork or don’t offer personalized service. But a local lender can often close in as little as two to three weeks, which can make your offer shine.
Pro tip: Ask your lender to reach out to the listing agent after you submit your offer to personally vouch for your financing. That kind of proactive communication goes a long way in building trust.
2️⃣ Be as Flexible as You Can to Meet the Seller's Needs
It’s not always about the highest price.
Sometimes, what the seller wants most is a specific closing date… or a leaseback so they have time to find their next home… or fewer contingencies so the deal feels less risky.
Ask your agent to communicate with the listing agent to find out what’s most important to the seller—and if you can accommodate that, your offer becomes more appealing even if you’re not the top dollar.
Flexibility = leverage. Whether it's offering to close early or giving the seller extra time to move out, small adjustments can make a big difference.
3️⃣ Get a Fully Underwritten Loan
You’ve probably heard of “pre-approval,” but there’s something even stronger: a fully underwritten loan.
Here’s the difference:
Pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your basic info (like credit and income) and issued a preliminary green light.
Underwriting goes further. It means the lender has already reviewed all your documentation—W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, etc.—and approved you, pending only the property-specific details (like appraisal and title).
With full underwriting, your offer is almost as strong as cash. Sellers love this because it reduces the chance of a financing hiccup.
Translation: It makes you a safer, more trustworthy buyer in the eyes of the seller.
4️⃣ Include Appraisal Gap Coverage
In a competitive market, it's common for homes to sell above asking price. But lenders still rely on appraisals to determine a home’s value. If the home appraises lower than your offer, the lender won’t cover the full price.
This is where appraisal gap coverage comes in.
It means you’re willing to bring extra money to the table if there’s a difference between the appraised value and your offer.
Let’s say you offer $300,000, but the appraisal comes in at $290,000. If you’ve agreed to cover the $10,000 gap, the seller knows you’ll still close.
It gives them peace of mind and removes one of the biggest potential deal-breakers.
Note: This strategy only works if you have the funds to cover the gap, so be sure to talk it through with your lender and agent.
5️⃣ Offer a Strong Earnest Money Deposit
Earnest money is basically your “skin in the game.” It shows the seller you're serious about buying their home.
Traditionally, buyers offer around 1% of the purchase price as earnest money. But in a hot market, increasing that to 2–3% can show you’re fully committed—and confident that nothing will derail your purchase.
For the seller, it’s a sign that you’re less likely to back out over small issues. That extra deposit can help your offer feel more solid, especially when they're comparing multiple offers.
Just remember: earnest money is typically applied to your closing costs or down payment—so it’s not “extra,” it’s just upfront.
Real Talk: You Don’t Have to Do It All
This list might sound intense—but take a breath. These aren’t requirements. They’re options.
Think of this as a menu. Choose the strategies that align with your situation, your finances, and your level of comfort. The best strategy is the one that makes you feel confident and prepared—not stretched thin or stressed out.
And the best part? You don’t have to do this alone.
Ready to Buy or Sell in Edmond or OKC?
If you’re gearing up to buy this spring—or even just thinking about it—it’s crucial to have a team who knows the market, plays smart, and has your back from start to finish.
That’s where we come in.
🏡 The Justiz League Real Estate Team is here to help you:
Strategize like a pro
Submit offers that get noticed
Stay competitive without losing your cool
And ultimately, get you home
Whether you’re buying or selling in Edmond or OKC, we’re ready to help you make your move with confidence.
📲 Ready to chat? Reach out today—we’d love to hear about your goals and help you make them happen.
