What should I bid on a house? 7 Tips for a successful bid in 2025

Best tips for making a smart bid

Making a good offer on a property is not always easy. Should you overbid or underbid the asking price? What strategy will increase your chances of success? Below is a summary of the most important tips so you know exactly what to look out for when buying a home:

1. Bidding on a home with or without a buying agent
2. Determine your budget
3. Research the home value
4. Check market competition
5. Choose a beid strategy
6. Think carefully about the resolutive conditions
7. Submitting your bid and negotiating

Want to know exactly what to do in each step? Read on for a detailed explanation and make the right choice when bidding on a property!

{{cta}}

1. Bidding on a home with or without a buying agent

Buying a home begins with an important choice: will you bid yourself or will you engage a buying agent? As a starter, the buying process is new to you, and a buying agent can help you with this. But is this always necessary?

Before you make an offer, you need to know how the bidding process works and whether or not you can do it yourself. A buying agent will help you with:

• Determine the home value. This will tell you whether the asking price is realistic and whether you should overbid or not.
• A stronger negotiating position. The selling broker represents the seller; a buying broker ensures that your interests are paramount during negotiations.
• Avoiding crucial mistakes when making an offer. A buying agent ensures that your offer is properly prepared and that the correct resolutive conditions are included.
• Get guidance throughout the bidding process. From the first viewing to the negotiation and deed of purchase, a buying agent will help you every step of the way.
• Less stress and uncertainty during bidding. As a starter, you don't have to figure everything out yourself and can count on an expert who knows how to get the best deal.

If you're sure you don't need a buying agent, you can read the following steps and make a good offer yourself.

Not sure yet if you need a buying agent? Then you can read our article on to buy or not to buy a broker. In it we help you make the right choice. If you do want a buying agent to make the best offer, you can use homeup as your buying agent.

{{cta}}

2. Determine your budget

Before you make an offer on a house, it's important to know how much you can and want to spend. As a starter, it is sometimes difficult to get a good idea of your maximum budget. Not only the mortgage determines what you can pay, but also your own money, savings and additional costs play a big role.

By determining your budget in advance, you can be sure to make an offer that is within your financial means.

How do you determine your maximum budget?

1. Calculate your maximum mortgage. A mortgage broker can help you estimate how much you can borrow based on your income and fixed expenses. That way you will know what is realistic for your mortgage.
2. See how much of your own money you can put in. Banks don't finance everything. You often need your own money to cover costs, such as notary fees and appraisal fees.
3. Keep in mind your savings. Do you have extra savings? Then you can use that to lower your monthly expenses by paying for part of the home directly.
4. Don't forget the additional costs. In addition to the purchase price, there are costs such as transfer tax, brokerage fees and any remodeling costs.

Want to know what your options are and how much you can safely offer? Get help from an independent mortgage broker.

3. Research the home value

Before making an offer, it is important to know the true value of the home. As a starter, you don't want to overpay or make an offer that is too low. By properly researching the market value, you will determine a realistic offer and increase your chances of success.

How do you determine the value of the property?

1. View the WOZ value. The WOZ value gives an indication of value, but may differ from the actual market value. Despite this, it is a good starting point for your research.
2. Compare with recently sold homes. Look at comparable homes in the neighborhood that have recently sold. This will give insight into what buyers in that neighborhood are willing to pay.
3. Analyze the current market. Is it a buyer's or seller's market? High demand can drive prices up, while ample supply can drive prices down.
4. Consider an appraisal. A professional appraiser can provide an objective valuation. This is especially helpful if you want certainty about the assessed value.

Want a detailed step-by-step guide to valuing a property? Then read our comprehensive article with a step-by-step guide on valuing a property.

4. Check market competition

It's important to know how much competition there is on a property you want to bid on. In some cases, you can bid below the asking price, while in other situations you will overbid to stand a chance. By properly analyzing the local housing market, you can determine a smart bidding strategy.

How do you estimate the competition?

1. Look at the number of viewings. Is a property just on the market and already viewed by dozens of people? Then chances are there are multiple bidders.
2. Pay attention to how long a property has been for sale. Has a house been online for weeks without a price drop? If so, there is probably little competition and you can bid lower than the asking price.
3. View similar homes in the neighborhood. Have similar homes been sold and at what price? This will help you estimate what a realistic offer is.
4. Check with the selling broker. Ask if any bids have already been received and if there is a set closing date.

By looking closely at the local housing market, the number of people interested and the seller's bidding strategy, you can make an informed decision.

Want to know exactly how much to bid on a house? homeup helps you with a smart bidding strategy!

5. Choose a bidding strategy

As a starter, it is important to choose a good bidding strategy. Should you bid the asking price, negotiate or put down a one-time offer? The right strategy depends on the home, the market and the competition. Here's what bidding strategies you can use and when they are most effective:

Which bidding strategy suits you?

1. Bid asking price. Sometimes it is smart to bid the asking price right away, especially if a property is priced competitively and there is a lot of competition. This can prevent you from engaging in a bidding war and still missing out.
2. Negotiate on price. Has the home been for sale for some time and there is little interest? Then you can bid lower and enter into negotiations. This can ensure that you get a better price without having to put down the winning bid right away.
3. One-time bidding. With sought-after homes, sellers often work with a deadline for bids. You then only have one chance to put down the best bid. This means you need to make a strong offer right away, without betting too low.

Want advice on a bidding strategy or help bidding on a home? Contact homeup! as a buying agent, homeup will help you choose the right bidding strategy and make sure you don't overpay.

6. Think carefully about the resolutive conditions

When making an offer on a house, it is important to protect yourself. You do this with resolutive conditions. These conditions ensure that you can get out of the sale if something goes wrong, without paying a penalty. As a starter, it is tempting to bid without conditions to increase your chances, but this carries certain risks.

Which resolutive conditions are important?

• Reservation of financing. This gives you security that you can cancel the purchase if you can't get the mortgage. Without this caveat, you still have to buy even if the financing fails.
• Building inspection. This allows you to cancel the purchase if the inspection shows that the house has serious defects. This prevents unexpected costs for overdue maintenance or hidden defects.
• Reservation sale of own home. This is useful if you already own a home and want to sell it before buying a new one.

Should you always include resolutive conditions?

• Yes, if you want security. With these conditions, you avoid being stuck with a home you can't afford (for example, due to a mortgage reservation) or that has serious defects (via a structural inspection).
• No, if you are willing to take a risk. In a tight market, sellers prefer buyers without reservations. This may make your offer more attractive, but you are taking a risk. Without a financing reservation, you have to buy the house even if you can't get the mortgage. And without a structural inspection, you have no assurance about the structural condition of the home and are responsible for any hidden defects.

Not sure which resolutive conditions to include? homeup helps you as a buying agent with a safe bidding strategy and the inclusion of resolutive conditions that suit your situation!

7. Submitting your offer and negotiating

The moment has arrived: you've chosen a bidding strategy and are ready to make a bid. But how do you make sure your bid is taken seriously and you have the best chance of acceptance? In addition, the seller may come up with a counter-offer, making negotiation necessary. Here is how to do this smartly and how much you should bid on a house:

How do you make a strong bid?

1. Provide a complete offer. Include not only the amount, but also the resolutive conditions, desired completion date and any extras. Consider a personal cover letter.
2. Be realistic and strategic. A bid that is too low is quickly rejected, but bidding too much can be financially detrimental. Make sure your bid is in line with market value and your bidding strategy.
3. Have your bid well supported. By referencing similar sold homes and the condition of the home, show that your bid is well thought out.

What do you do if the seller comes up with a counteroffer?

1. Stay calm and keep your budget in mind. Don't get carried away by emotions and decide in advance what you are willing to pay the maximum.
2. Negotiate smartly. See if there is room to move in other areas, such as the completion date or the resolutive conditions. Sometimes flexibility is more valuable to the seller than a higher offer.
3. Know when to stop. If the counter-offer is too high and you are out of your budget, have the courage to say no. There will always be new opportunities.

Want to make sure you make a strong offer and negotiate successfully? as a buying agent, homeup helps you through the entire bidding process, from offer to acceptance!

To overbid or not to overbid on a house in 2025?

The housing market is constantly changing. In some regions you still have to overbid on a house, while in other situations you can bid below the asking price. But how do you determine if overbidding is smart in 2025?

When is overbidding a good choice?

• Housing is popular. In sought-after cities and neighborhoods, competition is high. When many buyers show interest, you often have to make the highest offer to stand a chance.
• The asking price is deliberately set low. Sometimes sellers set the asking price low to attract bids quickly. In such a case, asking price bidding is usually not enough and you have to overbid to have a chance.
• You've found your dream home. If you really want a home and your financial situation allows, a higher offer may be a good choice.

When is it better not to overbid?

• The market is less competitive. In some regions, houses are available longer. Here you can often bid below the asking price and still get a good deal.
• The property is not worth it. Research carefully whether the home is really worth the asking price. Look at the home value and compare with recent sales prices.
• Your budget won't allow it. Overbidding can cause you to have to borrow more than the home is worth. This can be risky if you want to sell the home later.

Want to know whether or not you should overbid on the house you want to buy? Get advice from homeup to determine this!

Need help bidding on a house? homeup helps you!

Making a good bid is not easy, especially if you are a starter. You want to make a successful bid without overpaying. But how do you make sure your bid is strong enough and you don't get outbid? A buying agent helps you with this. homeup guides you step by step through the bidding process, so you know exactly what to do to increase your chances of getting a home.

{{cta}}

Why choose homeup when bidding on a house?

• You know what a property is really worth. homeup helps you determine whether the asking price is realistic and whether overbidding is necessary. That way you avoid paying too much.
• You get a smart bidding strategy. We advise whether asking price bidding, negotiating or a one-time offer is the best option for your situation.
• You have an expert negotiating on your behalf. The sales broker works for the seller and we make sure your interests are paramount.
• Your offer is strategically constructed. We help you make the right offer and ensure that the resolutive conditions are properly considered.

Want to make sure your offer is accepted without unnecessary risk? homeup helps first-time buyers with a smart bidding strategy and expert advice, so you have the best chance at your dream home.

Frequently asked questions about how much to bid on a home

Whether you are a starter or not, determining how much to bid on a house is tricky. Should you bid exactly the asking price? Is overbidding still necessary in 2025? And what is a realistic offer without overpaying unnecessarily? We provide clear answers to these frequently asked questions so you can make an offer on your first home with confidence.

What is a good offer on a house?

A good offer on a house is a strategic offer that takes into account market value, asking price and competition. You don't want to underbid and miss opportunities, but you also don't want to overbid unnecessarily. By following the following steps, you'll know how much to bid on a house:

• Look for comparable homes and recent sales prices in the neighborhood.
• Assess whether the asking price is realistic by analyzing market value and average home prices.
• Check if there are many bidders. Strong competition may require a winning bid.
• Consider resolutive conditions. Sometimes a lower offer with better terms is more attractive to the seller.

Want to make sure you make the best offer? homeup helps startups determine a smart offer and guides the bidding process from A to Z. Request a free consultation and let homeup help you buy a home!

What should you overbid on a house?

Whether to overbid depends on competition and the housing market. In large cities, overbidding is often necessary, while in less sought-after regions it is not always necessary. Contact a real estate agent, such as homeup, if you want to be sure how much you should bid on a house.

Is it smart to buy a home as a starter in 2025?

Yes, 2025 may be a good time to buy a home as a starter, but it depends on your financial situation and the housing market. First-time buyers have a number of advantages that make buying a first home more attractive.

• As a starter, you pay no transfer tax for homes up to €525,000. This can save thousands of euros.
• In 2025, you can take out a mortgage with National Mortgage Guarantee(NHG) up to €450,000. This offers extra security and often a lower interest rate.
• In some regions, house prices are not rising as fast, so you don't have to overbid as much as in previous years.
• Make sure you know what you can borrow and what your monthly costs will be. homeup will help you with realistic bidding advice so you don't overpay.

Want to know if 2025 is the year to buy your dream home? homeup guides you step by step through the bidding process and helps you make a smart choice. Register for free and let homeup help you!

{{questions}}