We sat down with George Whitney, our sales team leader, who recently represented clients in a multiple-offer situation in the Richmond District. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the strategy that helped them win.
How many offers were there?
14 total offers.
What was your strategy?
We worked hard to be a known quantity with the seller and the seller’s agent. We wanted them to know that our clients were the best fit for their home. We were prepared to set a new record for price per square foot in the neighborhood.
What made your offer stand out?
We were the first to engage with the listing agent, and the first party to see the home before it came on the market. We approached the seller about selling the home off-market, but they wanted to list it on the MLS. My buyer knew that this was their forever home, so they offered all the way to their max budget.
Was your offer the highest in price?
No, there was one other offer that was higher, but the offer terms were not as clean and the seller felt most comfortable working with us.
What terms did you offer?
Cash, non-contingent, quick close
What did you do to prepare your client?
- We knew that it was going to be competitive and conveyed that market intelligence to the buyer.
- We prepared the clients for a battle with information on comparable sales in the neighborhood.
- We helped them understand the seller’s listing strategy, which was to price the home artificially low to generate intense interest
- After seeing how much they loved the home, we gave them the confidence to get what they wanted.
What was the outcome?
Our client offered $725k over the list price to win the deal!
Putting yourself in the seller’s shoes, what are their key takeaways?
Every neighborhood is different, but in the Richmond District, you cannot price too low. The market here is efficient and serious buyers will find the market price.
What Buyers & Sellers Can Learn
Bidding wars in 2025 may not be as frenzied as during the pandemic, but the right property can still spark intense competition. George Whitney’s recent Richmond District win proves that preparation and strategy matter as much as price.
Tips for Buyers in a Bidding War
- Start early: Off-market and Compass Private Exclusive listings give you valuable prep time.
- Do your homework: Know the comps and neighborhood trends so you can act with confidence.
- Understand the Seller’s Psychology: If you can figure out why they’re selling and what their priorities are, you can craft an offer that addresses all their needs.
- Think beyond price: Clean terms, speed, and contingencies often tip the scales.
- Leverage relationships: An agent’s rapport with the listing side helps you stand out.
Tips for Sellers in a Bidding War
- Don’t just chase numbers: The highest offer isn’t always the safest.
- Evaluate terms closely: Cash, quick closes, and fewer contingencies reduce risk.
- Use deadlines strategically: A set offer date can fuel urgency.
- Trust your gut (and your agent): Serious buyers show commitment early.
The takeaway?
Whether you’re buying or selling, success comes from strategy, preparation, and alignment with what matters most.
If you need help navigating the San Francisco real estate market be sure to reach out!
