Have you found yourself facing fierce competition while attempting to buy a home? If you have already lost a home or two to competitive offers and bidding wars, gearing up for another offer may seem hopeless. Thankfully, there are many ways you can increase your chances of getting your dream home, despite the competition. Sellers want the best offer, not necessarily the highest one, which gives you more chances to outshine the others while demonstrating the seriousness of your bid. Here are six ways to help you win your dream home:

With today’s rising interest rates and high home prices, buying a home takes some planning and forethought. Mistakes can be costly, like getting a mortgage higher than you can afford or getting stuck in a neighborhood or house you actually don’t like. Here are seven of the most common homebuyer mistakes and how to steer clear so you make a satisfying purchase.