Yes, there are several bidding wars going on now particularly on homes that are well located, in good condition and are priced right. I thought this was just temporary , until time and time again in recent months, I've seen and experienced this with my clients first hand.
Many buyers, especially first time buyers feel that they are being bamboozled by a slick salesperson when they hear statements like:
"Won't last""Multiple Offers""Priced to sell" "Highest and Best"
I am telling you.. it is TRUE!!
All of the statements above have become true for me and my buyers, other buyers agents are touting the same thing> " my buyer lost out" " my buyers bid was too low" etc.. etc..
Seeing homes go under agreement in a week is now avery common practice, especially in the $250,000 and under price range.
Some buyers are saying " I refuse to particpate in bidding wars". Some say.. I'll just submit my offer and see what happens, after all, there are plenty of others out there!"
So.. what if you really had your heart set on THIS house? How will you feel if someone else owns it?
Unfortunately when one takes the types of attitude above, they inevitably will be the one losing out over and over again. They blame their agents, get angry, then ultimately see prices start to rise.
We don't know what tomorrow brings or if the market will indeed start to trend upward. Does it really matter? Right now, there are a plethora of incentives for buyers. It is such a mistake to NOT take advantage of the current opportunities that are presented RIGHT NOW.
Work with a good buyers agent to help you find and get that home now. No.. you wont' save anything by going directly to the listing agent, in fact it could cost you.. the offer and acceptance is jus the beginning. A great buyers agent will watch your deadline dates, consult with you and help protect your deposit money.
So now it's time to wake up, get smart, stop fence sitting, and get moving before the market shifts again:
If you really love the house and have to have it, then offer your highest and best offer, even if over the asking price. Make sure your offer is secured with good funds for surety to close, pre-approval in hand,and be flexible.
Be available to see new listings asap, and be ready to make an offer.
Best Regards and Happy House Hunting.
Lori Lincoln is with Keller Williams Realty and serves Greater Taunton Ma, Bristol County Ma, and surrounding cities and towns such as Rehoboth, Swansea, Somerset, Assonet, Middleboro, Dighton and more.
http://BristolCountyHomeTeam.com
508-878-0917
Taunton Area Real Estate- Keller Williams Realty/Lincoln Team 
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Good to hear Lori! We are seeing that our better homes that are priced right are going under contract!
When we get into a bidding war and listing agent says bring your best offer first, because I don't want to go back and forth 5 times I take it seriously. I tell my buyer to simply offer the highest price they feel comfortable offering (provided the comps support it). After all would you let $2000 stand between you and your dream home?!? Probably not. I also remind them that the inspection may reveal something that will allow us to negotiate further, so its just the offer not necessarily the sales price.
Lori, sometimes people only love a house at a certain price. I am in the business and think it is smart of a buyer not to allow their emotions to cause them to get sucked into bidding wars.
I try and educate the buyer on the fair value of the home before hand and it is up to them to make the decision as to what they are willing to pay for it. Once they have established that value if there are multiple offers we go in with our best foot forward rather than bouncing around and possibly losing out as well as making it as "clean" as possible with all their ducks ina row - all the while keeping the buyer protected in various scenarios. If you are serious and you want the house - why not put your best foot forward.