Creative offers in a Sellers Market

[Javonn Musgrove]

Hi BP,

I'm a novice investor planting my roots in Pittsburgh, PA. Just recently, I submitted, and lost, my first offer. I'm okay with that because of the experience and what I learned from my mentor(dad) and realtor. Most importantly I learned how to analyze a deal, understand the numbers at what my numbers were. And we stuck to our numbers and I did not get emotional about it. Lost to an all cash offer with no contingencies, risky IMO,our offer was all cash as well with a inspection contingency. 

In short, my question is In which ways or where can you get creative with offers but staying true to your criteria and number in a sellers market?

Thanks in Advance!

[John Montgomery]

An investor friend of mine told me about this, so I don't have any details beyond this: Hire a title company, and submit your offer directly to the sellers agent. Sellers agent gets double the commission. 

Obviously you would need to be confident in what you are purchasing and thorough in your due diligence. It's a technique he used and said he watched an agent throw several other offers in the trash and accept his offer.

I'm interested to hear what others think of this approach. Seems a little unethical (illegal?) on the part of the agent.