THE HIGHEST OFFER ISN’T ALWAYS THE BEST OFFER

When you’re selling your home and multiple offers come in, it can be tempting to look at the highest number and say:

“That’s the one!”

But not so fast.

The highest offer isn’t always the offer that puts the most money in your pocket—or the one most likely to make it to the closing table.

LOOK AT THE WHOLE OFFER

Price is important, but it’s only one part of an offer.

A strong offer may also include favorable financing, fewer contingencies, a solid pre-approval, a larger earnest money deposit, an appraisal guarantee, or terms that work better for your situation.

Sometimes an offer that’s slightly lower can actually be the stronger deal.

WHAT IS THE BUYER ASKING YOU TO PAY?

Imagine one buyer offers $250,000 but asks you to contribute $10,000 toward their closing costs.

Another buyer offers $245,000 without asking for those concessions.

Suddenly, that $250,000 offer doesn’t look quite as far ahead.

Then you still need to consider everything else in each offer.

WHAT ABOUT THE APPRAISAL?

A buyer can offer whatever they want—but if they’re financing the purchase, the appraisal may matter.

An offer well above the expected market value without an appraisal guarantee could create problems later.

A slightly lower offer with strong appraisal terms may give the seller more confidence in the deal.

CONTINGENCIES MATTER TOO

Inspection, financing, appraisal, home-sale contingencies, and other conditions can all affect the strength of an offer.

That doesn’t mean contingencies are bad. Many are completely normal.

But sellers need to understand what each contingency means and how it could affect the transaction.

DON’T FORGET THE DETAILS

Closing date, possession, included personal property, earnest money, financing type, and other terms can all make one offer more attractive than another.

Sometimes the best offer is simply the one that fits the seller’s needs the best.

THE BOTTOM LINE

When I help a seller review offers, I don’t want them looking at just one number.

I want them to understand the entire offer—the potential risks, the benefits, and what they may actually walk away with at closing.

Because getting the highest offer sounds great.

Getting the best deal is even better.