Why Waiting to Write an Offer Could Cost You the Home You Love

Real estate has a way of surprising people. Just when a home looks like it’s sitting quietly on the market, something shifts and suddenly there are multiple buyers circling. I’ve seen it happen again and again—agents telling me about homes that sat for 40 or 50 days with little activity, then seemingly overnight, two offers arrive at the same time. Instead of negotiating a better deal, those buyers are now competing against each other, driving the price higher than it might have been if either had acted just a week earlier.

One of my colleagues recently represented a buyer who experienced this firsthand. They loved a home but decided to wait, thinking they could take their time. By the time they finally wrote, another buyer had jumped in. Now, instead of moving in, they’re sitting in backup position, hoping the first deal falls through. It’s a frustrating spot to be in, especially when the opportunity was there all along.

Mortgage rates have also been dropping in recent weeks, which means more buyers are stepping back into the market. Each time rates dip, it’s like doors opening at a big concert—what felt like plenty of room at first quickly fills up with people rushing for the best seats. In housing, that means competition increases, and the home you thought you had time to pursue suddenly has multiple offers.

The reality is that waiting rarely works in a buyer’s favor. School is back in session, summer is winding down, and the market is beginning to pick up again in its own unpredictable way. Homes that feel overlooked today may be the ones sparking bidding wars tomorrow.

The bottom line? If you’ve found a home you love, the best time to write an offer is now. Not next week, not “when the seller drops the price,” but now. Acting decisively puts you in control—waiting only gives other buyers the chance to step in ahead of you.

In real estate, hesitation doesn’t just risk losing the house—it often means paying more for the very same home you could have secured for less if you’d acted sooner.