How to Win a Home with Multiple Offers in a Competitive Baton Rouge Market

by Tracy Mathis

You've found the perfect home — but so have five other buyers. In a market like Baton Rouge, Prairieville, or Central, competitive listings often receive multiple offers within days. So how do you make sure your offer stands out without overpaying?

Let’s break down a winning strategy that we use with buyers every week.

🧠 Step 1: Understand the Seller's Motivation

Every seller has a reason for moving — downsizing, relocating, or just testing the market. The more we know, the better we can tailor your offer.

💡 Examples:

Need a fast close? We shorten the timeline.
Still looking for their next home? We offer leasebacks or flexible closing.
Want fewer contingencies? We structure the cleanest terms possible.

This insight often comes from your agent's relationship with the listing agent. (Yes — relationships matter!)

💰 Step 2: Make a Strong, Clean Offer

Winning offers typically include:

✅ Pre-approval letter (not just pre-qual) from a local lender
✅ Clean contingencies (don’t overload with “ifs”)
✅ A realistic, competitive price
✅ Short inspection and appraisal timelines
✅ A larger deposit or earnest money (1–2%+)

You don’t always have to be the highest offer — just the most appealing.

✍️ Step 3: Include a Personal Touch

A well-written buyer letter or video can humanize your offer, especially with sentimental sellers. Tell them why you love their home, your family story, and how you’ll cherish it.

📣 Example:
“We can already see our kids playing in the backyard and walking to the school just down the street.”

Pro tip: We’ve seen these letters tip the scales in close-call offer situations — especially in neighborhoods like Shenandoah, Highland Road, and Prairieville.

🔧 Step 4: Be Flexible, but Smart

Flexibility helps — but don’t waive critical protections unless advised:

✅ Keep the inspection period short, but don’t skip it
✅ Consider waiving minor repairs (but not big-ticket issues)
✅ Be open to seller timelines

We help you protect your investment without losing your edge.

🧠 Step 5: Work with the Right Realtor Team

The Southern Homes Team has helped hundreds of buyers win in multiple offer situations — not by guessing, but by reading the market, building rapport, and negotiating smart.

We do the prep work, talk to listing agents, and position your offer to succeed.