1) If you notice a home that you like, look at it right away with your Realtor.

2) If you are out of town, have your Realtor do a FaceTime tour of the home.

3) The fewer contingencies the better. If you load your contract up with contingencies, the seller will go to the next contract that is close to yours in price.

4) Buy a home without making it contingent upon selling your current home.

5) Make sure your financing is in order. If you don't have a pre-approval letter, a buyer might go to the next contract.

6) Don't make low offers.  There will be offers at the listing price and above in Chattanooga, TN, so make your best offer.