What's an effective offer strategy?

There's no single strategy, because it depends on the home, the competition, and your priorities. Price isn't always what wins. Often it's communication with the other agent, and a seller who feels the buyer truly values the home. A clean, streamlined offer that doesn't nickel-and-dime the seller over every little thing can matter more than a higher price. An offer is more than price: it also includes your financing, earnest money, the option period, your closing date, and any repairs or concessions you ask for. I look at how long the home has been listed, what similar homes have sold for, and what matters to the seller, then we decide together where to be firm and where to flex. I can't promise an offer will be accepted.