A Seller’s market is a market which has more buyers than sellers. High prices result from this excess of demand over supply. If you are trying to buy a home in a seller’s market, it’s not only the price that should be considered, here are 10 tips to help you write that captivating purchase offer and thump out the rivalry.

1. Submit a Preapproval Letter With Your Offer

A lender’s letter that says your credit rating has been examined and you can afford to buy the home carries a lot of weight. If the seller has a higher offer from a buyer without a preapproval letter, your offer will likely win.

2. Hire an Assertive Real Estate Agent

An agent who constantly combs the marketplace and networks with other agents is more likely to get a lead on your new home before anybody else, which is why you need to hire a good agent.

3. Write a Friendly Offer

Don’t include demands in your offer that are likely to irritate or anger the seller. Show that you are different and be generous by giving the seller two or three days to move out.

4. Put Your Best Foot Forward

Simply put, this means write your very best offer. You might get only one chance to make an impression on the seller, so don’t make a low offer hoping the seller will give you a counter offer.

5. Put Down a Healthy Earnest Money Deposit

A larger earnest money deposit shows you are serious and are willing to put your cash on the table.

6. Cash Talks

If you are able to pay “all cash” for a home, say so.

7. Shorten Inspection Periods

Many standard real estate purchase contracts give the buyer X number of days to perform inspections before the buyer is required to proceed with the transaction. If the default in your purchase contract is 17 days, try shortening that time period to 10.

8. Waive Some Contingencies

If you have spoken to your legal advisor and feel comfortable risking your deposit, you might want to consider waiving contingencies such as those for loans, appraisals or inspections. However, there are risks. If you waive an appraisal contingency and the home appraises below your sales price, you will need to make up that difference in cash. But without some contingencies, your offer will be more than solid than a competitor’s.

9. Write the Seller a Letter

If the seller has eight offers on the table but your offer includes a letter that is personally handwritten by you, your offer will stand out.

10. Offer to Close Quickly

If you can offer a 21-day closing time frame, that might be more important to the seller than an offer for more money and be just the edge you need to beat out the competition.