It's still a relatively strong seller's market in many segments of the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County market, though not all.  More on that another day. 

But, back to the homes for which it is a strong seller's market... for those houses, there are often multiple offers within a few days of when they hit the market for sale.

If you're a buyer making an offer on one of those hot new listings you will likely make as strong of an offer as you are willing and able to make.

But... sometimes, your offer will lose because of something you cannot or will not do.

For example...

If you don't have cash to pay for the house... you cannot make a cash offer.  If someone else does have cash, there is a high likelihood that their offer will be accepted.

If you will not buy a house without doing a home inspection... then you will not make an offer without an inspection contingency.  If another buyer is willing to make an offer without an inspection contingency, there is a high likelihood that their offer will be accepted.

So, make the strongest offer that you are able or willing to make... but know that other buyers might be able or willing to make stronger offers... and if they do, their offer will likely be selected by the seller.