One of the most common questions I hear from buyers is:
“Is the market still competitive?”

This home at 1107 Dayton Street SW in Grand Rapids is a great real-world example of what’s happening when homes are priced correctly in today’s low-inventory market.

The property was listed at $250,000 and received 12+ offers. That level of competition isn’t unusual right now — especially in Grand Rapids neighborhoods where entry-level and mid-range homes are in short supply.

Why This Home Attracted So Much Attention

Inventory remains limited across Grand Rapids and much of West Michigan. When a well-priced home hits the market, demand stacks up quickly. Buyers aren’t just competing on price — they’re competing on certainty, strength, and risk reduction for the seller.

In this case, the accepted offer included:

• Offer over asking price with an escalation clause

• Waived inspections

• Appraisal guarantee

• Conventional financing with 20% down

These terms dramatically reduced risk for the seller and helped the winning offer stand out in a crowded field.

What Buyers Should Take Away From This

This doesn’t mean every buyer needs to waive inspections or escalate aggressively. It does mean that buyers need a clear strategy before writing an offer.

Winning in Grand Rapids right now often comes down to:

• Understanding which terms matter most to sellers

• Knowing when price alone isn’t enough

• Structuring offers that are competitive and intentional

• Being prepared to move quickly when the right home appears

Not every home requires extreme terms — but buyers who aren’t prepared often miss opportunities before they realize what happened.

The Importance of Strategy and Guidance

Every home, neighborhood, and seller is different. The goal isn’t to “win at all costs,” but to understand what’s required in each situation and decide what makes sense for you.

That’s where experience, local knowledge, and honest guidance matter most.

If you’re buying in Grand Rapids or West Michigan and want to understand what it’s realistically taking to get under contract — even if you’re just starting the conversation — I’m always happy to help.