How Do You Win A ‘Best and Final’ Offer Submission?

The Weekly Recap

Good morning and happy Friday! Mortgage rates hit the lowest levels in nearly three years, Trump instructed Fannie and Freddie to buydown bonds to lower rates, economic indicators are all pointing in the right direction for continued growth into 2026, Gov Ball announced its 2026 Lineup, New York is going nuclear and if you thought Staten Island doesn’t have anything worth seeing you’d be surprised to find out a bunch of public bathrooms won an architecture award.

If you missed last weeks newsletter on New Year Brings Renewed Momentum to NYC Housing Market, you’re going to have to dig through your emails because I accidentally forgot to duplicate it before writing this weeks and it got deleted.

How Do You Win A ‘Best and Final’ Offer Submission?

In competitive markets, hearing the words “best and final” can feel both exciting and daunting. While price always matters, the strongest offer is rarely defined by price alone. Winning in a multiple-offer environment requires strategy, clarity, and thoughtful execution.

Here are the key elements that consistently separate winning offers from the rest.

Understand What the Seller Truly Values: Every seller is different. Some prioritize price above all else. Others care more about timing, certainty, or simplicity. Is the seller purchasing another home? Are they relocating? Do they want flexibility or speed?

While we can never understand the psychology of a seller, the most successful buyers align their offer with the seller’s priorities, not just the listing price. A tailored offer that solves a seller’s problem can often outperform a higher but less thoughtful bid.

Price With Intent, Not Emotion: “Best and final” does not mean overpaying, it means being decisive. The right number is one you are comfortable with if you win and at peace with if you don’t. Chasing a deal beyond your comfort zone often leads to regret.

A strong offer reflects current market data, demand for the specific property, and the cost of missing the opportunity altogether.

Strengthen the Terms: Terms can be just as powerful as price. Consider increasing strong down payment or proof of funds, shorter financing or closing timelines, minimizing contingencies where appropriate. Reducing friction and uncertainty is often extremely attractive to sellers.

Certainty Wins Deals: Sellers want confidence that the transaction will close smoothly. A clean, well-structured offer, supported by a reputable lender, clear documentation, and experienced representation, can make a meaningful difference.

In many cases, sellers will accept a slightly lower offer if it feels more secure.

Communicate Thoughtfully: Sometimes a brief, professional note accompanying an offer helps humanize the buyer and reinforce seriousness, without overdoing it. Sometimes playing on the emotional aspect of a seller can increase your chances over other buyers.

Know When to Walk Away: Not every deal is meant to be won. A disciplined approach protects long-term financial health and positions buyers to succeed on the right opportunity. The strongest buyers know their limits and act with conviction within them.

Market Performance

Here are how some other indexes and asset classes have performed as of this morning’s opening bell.

NYC Market Update

Here is a view of NYC market activity over the past week.

Mortgage Rate Update

Mortgage rates dropped down to the lowest level in more than three years. The impacts have been noticeable as weekly purchase applications and refinance activity have jumped which has underscored the benefits for both buyers and current owners. Housing activity is improving and poised for a solid spring season.

News You Can Use

• DOJ Subpoenas Fed Chair Powell Over Renovation Costs CNBC

• Wall Street Expects Strong Fourth-Quarter Earnings Driven by Robust US Economy Reuters

• Trump Orders Mortgage Bond Purchases to Lower Rates CNBC

• Inflation Eases in December, Core Consumer Prices Rise at Slowest Pace since March Yahoo Finance

• US Retail Sales Rebound on Car Buying, Holiday Season Sales Bloomberg

• Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.4% CNBC

• Ackman Pitches Prepayment Penalties as Way to Cut Mortgage Rates Bloomberg

• Wholesales Inflation Was Softer than Expected, Retail Sales Moved Higher CNBC

• Major US Banks Gear Up for Bond Sales As Trump Turns Up Pressure Bloomberg

• Hochul Planning Big Expansion of New York’s Nuclear Capacity Bloomberg

• Here is the 2026 Gov Ball Lineup Gothamist

• Staten Islands Architectural Bathroom Gem NY Post

The Deep Insight

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