here is my experience
a) location : some places multiple offers and more than asking price
usually those places nearby good schools, parks and freeways.
b)Do bargain with your agent they give you closing cost.
c) find good lender (my case closed in 2 weeks) i noticed some of then take several months too
d) take time and see house so you will get an idea on whats going on.. if you like then other person like too..
e) usually if you go nearby million (in high expensive area) then can put offer less than asking price
f) but in real scenario first time home buyer can afford average market price house so there too many buyer on that price range.
g) your agent may busy with others too just keep looking in redfin as soon as it hits your criteria go see and put an offer.
h) good luck