How to Get Multiple Offers on My Home
How to Get Multiple Offers on My Home in Ottawa
In Ottawa’s competitive real estate market, attracting multiple offers is a homeowner’s dream. When your property becomes the center of a bidding war, it often results in a higher sale price, better terms, and a quicker closing. But multiple offers don’t happen by luck — they require strategic planning, expert marketing, and the right professional guidance.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore proven strategies for generating multiple offers when selling your home in Ottawa. Whether you’re in Kanata, Barrhaven, Stittsville, or The Glebe, these tips are tailored to Ottawa’s unique housing landscape.
Summary How to Get Multiple Offers on My Home
- Price It Right from the Start
- Stage Your Home to Impress
- Time Your Listing Strategically
- Leverage a REALTOR® With a Proven Track Record
- Create Buzz With a Pre-Listing Marketing Campaign
- Hold Back Offers Strategically
- Maximize Exposure With a Multi-Channel Marketing Plan
- Host a Memorable Open House
- Highlight What Makes Your Ottawa Home Unique
- Make Showings Easy and Accessible
- Be Transparent and Responsive
- Review Offers Strategically – Not Just Highest Price
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1. Price It Right from the Start
Strategic Pricing to Spark Interest
Pricing is the single most important factor in attracting multiple offers. In Ottawa, where buyers are savvy and well-informed, setting the right price is crucial.
Avoid overpricing. A high listing price may deter buyers and reduce interest. Instead, consider pricing slightly below market value to create urgency and attract more potential buyers.
Market Analysis Is Key
A professional REALTOR® like Jason Polonski can conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine the optimal price point based on similar homes in your Ottawa neighbourhood.
2. Stage Your Home to Impress
Make a Memorable First Impression
Emotional appeal matters in a multiple-offer scenario. Professionally staged homes in Ottawa often sell faster and for more money than unstaged ones.
Staging tips:
Declutter and depersonalize.
Maximize natural light.
Add inviting touches like fresh flowers or modern artwork.
Use neutral tones to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Professional Photography and Videography
In today’s digital age, online presentation is everything. High-quality images and video walkthroughs help your listing stand out on MLS®, REALTOR.ca, and social media.
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3. Time Your Listing Strategically
When to List in Ottawa
The Ottawa housing market tends to heat up in the spring (March to June) and early fall (September to October). Listing during these peak seasons increases the chances of high buyer traffic.
Pro tip: List mid-week (e.g., Wednesday or Thursday) to build momentum for weekend showings and maximize foot traffic during the critical first days on the market.
4. Leverage a REALTOR® With a Proven Track Record
Why You Need an Experienced Ottawa REALTOR®
Working with a local expert like Jason Polonski, one of Ottawa’s top-rated full-service REALTORS®, can make all the difference. From pricing and staging to negotiation and marketing, Jason ensures your listing is strategically positioned to attract multiple offers.
What Jason offers:
- MLS® and REALTOR.ca exposure
- Targeted digital marketing
- 3D virtual tours and drone footage
- Expert open house coordination
- Offer strategy planning
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5. Create Buzz With a Pre-Listing Marketing Campaign
Build Anticipation Before Going Live
A well-orchestrated pre-listing marketing campaign can generate buzz and line up interested buyers even before the listing hits the MLS®.
Tactics include:
- “Coming soon” posts on social media
- Email marketing to a REALTOR®’s buyer database
- Teasers via short videos or sneak peeks
- Door-to-door flyers in your neighbourhood
This strategy builds anticipation and creates a sense of urgency among buyers once the home goes live.
6. Hold Back Offers Strategically
Use an Offer Presentation Date.
In Ottawa, it’s common to list a home and set a specific date to review offers (usually 5–7 days later). This gives buyers enough time to view the home and encourages more people to submit offers.
Make it clear in your listing that offers will be reviewed on a certain date and time. This technique can drive competition and result in a bidding war.
7. Maximize Exposure With a Multi-Channel Marketing Plan
Don’t Just List – Launch
Your Ottawa home needs more than just an MLS® listing. A comprehensive marketing plan ensures it reaches as many potential buyers as possible.
Key marketing strategies:
- MLS® + REALTOR.ca listings
- Social media advertising (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)
- Google Ads targeting Ottawa homebuyers
- Open houses (virtual and in-person)
- Local real estate websites
- Print marketing and signage
With Jason Polonski’s 1% Full-Service Listing model, you get premium exposure while saving on commission.
8. Host a Memorable Open House
In-Person and Virtual Options
A well-executed open house creates excitement, shows the property in its best light, and often leads to multiple interested buyers.
Tips for success:
- Ensure the home is spotless and smells pleasant.
- Use subtle background music.
- Have brochures, floor plans, and feature sheets ready.
- Offer virtual tours for remote buyers.
9. Highlight What Makes Your Ottawa Home Unique
Promote Features That Add Value
Stand out from the competition by showcasing what makes your home special. Whether it’s a renovated kitchen, a backyard oasis, or proximity to top schools in Kanata or The Glebe — these features can be selling points.
Don’t forget to mention:
- Energy-efficient upgrades
- Smart home features
- Basement in-law suites or rental potential
- Walkability to parks, transit, or local amenities
10. Make Showings Easy and Accessible
Remove Obstacles for Buyers
The more accessible your home is, the more buyers can view it. More showings = more potential offers.
Best practices:
- Use a lockbox system for easy access
- Allow same-day showings
- Vacate the home during visits to allow buyers to feel at ease
- Keep the home clean and “show-ready” at all times
11. Be Transparent and Responsive
Communicate Clearly With Buyers’ Agents
When a home starts generating interest, buyers’ agents will reach out with questions. Fast, professional communication can make a big difference in keeping buyers engaged.
- Provide a detailed information package (disclosures, utility costs, survey)
- Respond promptly to questions or requests for documents
- Keep buyers informed of interest levels and timelines
12. Review Offers Strategically – Not Just Highest Price
Focus on the Best Overall Offer
When the offers roll in, don’t get blinded by just the numbers. Consider:
- Financing conditions
- Home inspection waivers
- Buyer flexibility on closing dates
- Deposit strength
Your REALTOR® will help you evaluate each offer to identify the one with the best combination of price, terms, and likelihood to close.
Bonus Tips: How to Handle a Bidding War in Ottawa
Counter multiple buyers at once: You don’t have to accept the first offer. In many cases, your REALTOR® can notify all interested parties and invite them to improve their offers.
Use escalation clauses carefully: These clauses automatically raise a buyer’s offer based on competing offers. They can be tricky but effective when handled properly.
Don’t panic: With the right strategy and guidance, you can navigate a multiple-offer scenario with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Attracting Multiple Offers in Ottawa Is Possible
Selling your home for top dollar in Ottawa is about preparation, strategy, and execution. From setting the right price to launching a strategic marketing campaign and working with the right REALTOR®, every step matters.
If you’re planning to sell your home in Ottawa and want to attract multiple offers, partner with a local expert who knows the market inside and out.
Ottawa Real Estate Tools
Full-Service Ottawa REALTOR®
Work With Jason Polonski – Ottawa’s Full-Service REALTOR®
Jason Polonski has helped countless Ottawa homeowners sell quickly and profitably by creating tailored strategies that attract multiple offers. With professional marketing, expert negotiation, and transparent communication, Jason delivers maximum value while saving you money.
👉 Book your free home evaluation today and discover how to get top dollar for your Ottawa home.
Resources How to Get Multiple Offers on My Home
- City of Ottawa – Property Taxes & Assessments.
- Land Transfer Tax Calculator – Ontario
- Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA)
- RECO – Real Estate Council of Ontario
- House Price Index (Ottawa) – CREA
- Free Ottawa Home Evaluation
- Staging Checklist for Sellers
- Ontario Residential Tenancies Act
- Selling a Home with Tenants in Ottawa
- Should I Renovate Before Selling My Home in Ottawa?
- Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB)
- - How to Choose a Realtor
- - How To Sell Home Fast in Ottawa
- - How To Choose The Right Neighbourhood
- - How to Prepare for a Home Appraisal
- - How to Maximize Curb Appeal
- - How to Stage Your Home
- - How to Negotiate a Better Deal
- - How to Prepare for Real Estate Photos
- - How to Get Multiple Offers on My Home
How to Get Multiple Offers on My Home (FAQs)
To attract multiple offers, focus on strategic pricing, professional staging, high-quality marketing, and timing your listing correctly. Partnering with an experienced local REALTOR® who understands Ottawa’s real estate market — like Jason Polonski — can give you a significant edge in generating strong buyer interest.
Yes, pricing slightly below market value is a proven strategy in Ottawa to spark urgency and competition among buyers. It can create the perception of value and drive multiple offers, often pushing the final sale price above asking.
“Holding offers” means setting a specific date and time to review all submitted offers after your home hits the market. This creates a competitive environment, giving more buyers a chance to view the home and prepare their best offer. It’s commonly used in Ottawa to encourage bidding wars.
Absolutely. Professionally staged homes are more visually appealing and help buyers imagine themselves living in the space. In Ottawa, staged homes typically receive more attention online and in-person — increasing your odds of getting multiple offers.
When you receive multiple offers, your REALTOR® will help you review and compare each one. You don’t have to accept the highest offer — you can negotiate terms such as closing date, conditions, and deposit amount. You can also invite top buyers to improve their offers, creating a true bidding war scenario.
