Bastrop may feel laid-back, but the real estate market? It’s competitive—especially for homes under $400K or in hot areas like The Colony or River’s Bend. If you want to win your dream home without busting your budget, here’s how to compete smart.
1. Get Pre-Approved with a Local Lender
Not just pre-qualified—pre-approved.
Local lenders move faster, know the area, and give you more credibility with Bastrop listing agents.
2. Use an Escalation Clause
This lets you automatically outbid other offers—up to a certain limit.
For example: “Will beat any offer by $1,000 up to $380,000.”
✅ Smart way to win without blindly overpaying.
3. Shorten the Option Period
In Texas, the option period gives buyers a window to cancel.
- Normal: 7–10 days
- Competitive: 3–5 days with a decent fee ($100–$200)
Shows sellers you’re serious and ready to move fast.
4. Increase Earnest Money
Standard is 1%, but offering 2–3% signals confidence—and keeps your offer at the top.
5. Write a Personal Letter (Optional)
In Bastrop, many sellers still value the emotional appeal. A short, sincere letter can tip the scale in your favor.
Final Thoughts
Winning a bidding war in Bastrop doesn’t mean throwing cash at the problem. It means using strategy, speed, and a great agent who knows how to position your offer.
📦 Ready to write a winning offer? Let’s build a plan before your dream home hits the market.
