Multiple-offer situations are going to happen in high-demand, limited supply markets. Most of the time, the highest bidder wins. But not always.
Share with your clients these tactics, based on an article from realtor.com:
Grow the Escrow
“Committing more money will show the sellers that you’re serious about buying the property,” the article states.
Pay in Cash or Get Pre-Approved
Sellers like simple transactions without surprises. They may favor these buyers over more complex financial arrangements.
No Changes Needed
Buying as is increases the seller’s profit and is a compelling offer.
Don’t Assume Confidentiality
Your client’s offer won’t be confidential unless you work out a confidentiality agreement with the seller. While real estate laws bar sellers from sharing your offer with only one other buyer, they can share your offer with everyone else to rustle up better offers. Conversely, if your client learns about an offer, they can know that everyone else knows about it, too.
I completely disagree about disclosing offers to all offerors. The turns the bid process into a nickel and dime event. All prospective buyers should be notified that there are multiple offers and they should be told to come up w/ their highest and best w/in a period of time dictated by the seller and the seller’s agent. The only time offer amounts should be disclosed is when all offers are identical and are for the asking price. If the identical offers are for less than the asking price, they should not be disclosed.