Most buyers think that if they don’t win that house, they’ve missed their chance.
In reality, losing a home is often just part of the process, not a sign that something has gone wrong.
In competitive markets like DC, it’s common for buyers to go through one (or several) offers before landing the right home. What matters most isn’t winning every bid. It’s how you approach each one.
The best-positioned buyers I work with are willing to put their best foot forward — and also willing to walk away if needed, knowing they gave it their best shot. They understand their numbers, their comfort level, and their non-negotiables. They compete thoughtfully, not emotionally.
And here’s the part that’s hard to see in the moment: when a home doesn’t work out, it’s often because the one they do end up with is better. Better layout. Better light. Better block. Better long-term fit.
My role is to help buyers stay grounded through that uncertainty, to know when to lean in and when to step back, without second-guessing every decision. Losing a house doesn’t mean you failed. It usually means you stayed disciplined.
This is what I walk my clients through so there are no surprises — and so they can move forward with confidence, not regret.
