Mortgage pre-approval is step one, not a formality to handle later. A seller comparing offers gives real weight to a buyer who has already cleared a lender's review, and in a tight market that credibility can outweigh a slightly higher price from a buyer still waiting on financing.
Conditions need to be realistic rather than stripped away entirely. A short, clearly dated financing condition and a home inspection booked quickly signal seriousness without leaving you exposed, and that balance usually beats either an unconditional offer with real risk or a heavily conditional one a seller will pass over.
A REALTOR® who knows the specific neighbourhood and can move fast when a listing appears is worth more here than generic advice, because the advantage in a competitive market comes from speed and preparation, not from any one clever clause. Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.