- Compare what you'd net, not just the price at the top.
- Stronger financing means fewer surprises before closing.
- Contingencies and deadlines decide how much risk you're taking.
- A clean offer that closes beats a higher one that falls apart.
What to look at in every offer
- Price and any closing-cost credits the buyer is asking for
- Type of financing: cash, conventional, FHA, VA or USDA
- Pre-approval strength and down payment
- Earnest money amount
- Inspection, appraisal and financing contingencies
- Contingency on the buyer selling their own home
- Closing date and possession date
Why the net matters more than the price
An offer that's $5,000 higher but asks for $6,000 in closing-cost help puts less in your pocket. I'll lay each offer side by side with an estimated net so you can compare them fairly.
Risk is part of the price
An offer that depends on the buyer selling another home, or that has long contingency periods, carries more risk of falling through. Sometimes that risk is worth taking. Sometimes a slightly lower, cleaner offer is the better choice. You decide, with the tradeoffs in front of you.
Multiple offers
When more than one buyer is interested, we can ask everyone for their highest and best offer, or work with the strongest one. The goal is the best overall outcome, not just the biggest number.
Common questions
Should I always take the highest offer?
Not always. Compare your estimated net, the strength of the financing and the contingencies. A slightly lower offer with fewer risks can be the better choice.
What does a home-sale contingency mean?
The buyer needs to sell their current home before they can buy yours. It adds risk and time, so it's worth weighing carefully.
Can I counter an offer?
Yes. You can counter on price, dates, credits or other terms. I'll help you decide what to counter and what to accept.
I'll build your Game Plan from the real sales around your home, with a net sheet, move planner and these videos built in. No pressure. When you're ready to sell, I'd like to be the one who sells it.
