If a buyer switches from a conventional to an FHA loan partway into escrow, did they likely start with conventional strategically to win the bid?

Possibly, and we are no fans of that move when it is a tactic, but find out the reason before you assume bad faith. Sometimes a loan type changes after acceptance for a legitimate reason. Sometimes the buyer dressed up the offer to win. Asking is how you find out which one you have. As the listing agent, you have standing here: - Ask what changed, and whether the property is even FHA-approved, since not every home qualifies. - Remember the seller is not obligated to accept a change in loan type mid-contract. If the switch genuinely weakens the deal or you were relying on the original terms, you can push back, and depending on your contract you may be able to issue a Notice to Perform. On the honesty point, our rule with buyers is to write offers straight. We have had a buyer ask whether they should show 20 percent down on paper and drop to 10 percent after acceptance to look stronger. The answer was no: write the offer with the down payment you actually intend to use. A deal built on a misrepresented offer creates exactly the kind of friction you are dealing with now, which is why writing it accurately the first time serves everyone better.