Lots of buyers, low inventory. Multiple bids are now the norm. So, how do you stand out in the crowd? This can be tricky, but if you are prepared, you can do it.

First, you need to plan months in advance. There's no point in house-hunting if your income-to-debt ratio is off. You need to systematically pay down your debt and get your credit score up. And, get pre-approved!

Secondly, don't look at houses you cannot afford. Sellers are not budging on the price much because the market is so competitive. You can no longer expect sellers to drop the price to fit your budget, but rather, you need to expect to offer as close to full price as possible, if not full price. In some cases, you may need to offer above full price to seal the deal. Don't get too emotional in the process because you may pay more than the house is worth.

Third, remember that cash trumps all. Save! The more money down, the better. It looks better to sellers if you have at least 20% down. And, don't forget you may need some money in case there is a gap between the sales price and the appraisal amount - something else that is more common today.

A few last things....Minimize your conditions. There is likely a better offer out there right now that doesn't require as much. This is not to say you should ever forego an inspection or option period. You may also want to consider being flexible on the closing date to acccommodate the seller.

Hope this helps you in the pursuit of your dream home in a seller's market!