If homes in your favorite community are selling for more than list price, you may need to consider offering above list. Determine how much over list price you would consider and still be within your budget. With multiple offers, a substantially higher bid will usually win, regardless of whether it is cash or financed. You may also consider removing the appraisal contingency. But be prepared to put more down on the purchase. When prices are increasing dramatically, the lender appraisal may not support the purchase price. If you are not successful competing for homes in your price range, target homes below your price range and renovate to achieve what you would ultimately like. Finally, you may need to consider looking a bit further away from your target communities and living with the longer commute.