5 Things That Will Make or Break Your Offer in 2025

Jun 10

5 Things That Will Make or Break Your Offer in 2025
If you're planning to buy a home in 2025, making a strong offer isn’t just about price anymore. In today's competitive (and sometimes unpredictable) market, small details can tip the scales in your favour—or cost you the house altogether. Here are five key elements that could make or break your offer this year.

1. A Strong Deposit (and How Fast You Deliver It)
A serious buyer puts down a serious deposit. In Ottawa, most strong offers come with at least 5% of the purchase price as a deposit. But what matters even more is how quickly you get it to the listing brokerage. In hot markets, 24 hours is the norm—but same-day delivery makes your offer even stronger.

👉 Pro tip: A certified cheque or bank draft shows you're organized and ready to close.

2. Fewer (or Cleaner) Conditions
Conditions protect you—but too many can turn off a seller. In 2025, sellers are still favouring clean offers, especially in multiple-offer situations. The most common conditions are financing, home inspection, and status certificate (for condos). If you must include a condition, keep it short and precise.

👉 Pro tip: Work with your lender and lawyer before offering, so you can confidently waive conditions when it counts.

3. Offer Timing & Expiry
When you submit your offer matters. In multiple-offer scenarios, submitting before the deadline can give you a competitive edge. Expiry time also plays a role—too long, and sellers get nervous; too short, and you risk missing a counter.

👉 Pro tip: Let your agent guide you on when to submit and how long to leave your offer open—it can be a tactical move.

4. Price Isn’t Everything (But It Still Matters)
Yes, pricing still needs to be competitive. But in 2025, we're seeing more sellers prioritize certainty over every last dollar. That means if your offer is strong in all other ways (clean conditions, good deposit, fast closing), you might beat a higher offer that’s messy or uncertain.

👉 Pro tip: Ask your agent to research not just sold prices—but also how those deals came together.

5. Your Closing Date
A flexible closing date can be the cherry on top. If the seller is moving out of town or hasn’t bought yet, offering a date that works for them (within your limits) can win hearts fast. Your agent should always ask the listing agent what's ideal before you submit.

👉 Pro tip: Consider adding a line in your offer that says you're open to a date change within a certain range.

Bonus Tip: What Agents Still Get Wrong
Too many agents assume the offer process is purely transactional. But in 2025, clear communication and reputation matter more than ever. A respectful, responsive, and detail-oriented agent can make your offer stand out—because sellers and their agents want to work with someone who will actually close the deal.

Thinking of buying this year?
Let’s make sure your offer checks every box—and gives you the best chance at winning without overpaying. Reach out anytime for a no-pressure chat about your home search strategy.