When selling your home, receiving offers is an exciting milestone. It signals genuine buyer interest and brings you one step closer to a successful sale. However, navigating offers can be complex, especially if they come with conditions or don’t meet your expectations. Understanding what to expect when offers start coming in can help you make confident, informed decisions.
The speed at which offers come in depends on factors such as market demand, your property’s presentation, and its asking price. In a competitive market, you may receive offers within days of listing or even after the first open home. In slower markets, it could take weeks. Your real estate agent will keep you updated on buyer feedback and any potential interest to give you an idea of when to expect offers.
The number of offers can vary widely. For highly desirable properties or homes in a seller’s market, you might receive multiple offers, sometimes sparking a bidding war. In contrast, if your property is niche or the market is slower, you may only receive one or two offers initially. Your agent will advise you on the market conditions and help manage your expectations.
It’s common for initial offers to be lower than your asking price as buyers often test the waters. If offers don’t align with your expectations:
Conditions are stipulations included in an offer that must be met before the sale can proceed. Understanding these conditions is crucial, as they can impact the likelihood of the sale progressing smoothly.
Your agent will explain the implications of each condition and help you assess the likelihood of the buyer fulfilling them. In some cases, you can negotiate to shorten timelines or remove less critical conditions to speed up the process.
A buyer offers your asking price with no conditions, allowing for a quick and straightforward settlement. This is ideal for sellers seeking a fast sale and certainty.
A family offers $50,000 below your asking price, contingent on securing financing and a building inspection. Your agent negotiates a compromise where the buyer increases their offer by $35,000, and you agree to a shorter finance approval timeline.
You receive three offers: one at asking price with conditions, one slightly below asking price but unconditional, and another above asking price but conditional on the buyer selling their current home. Your agent helps you weigh the pros and cons of each offer, considering price, conditions, and the likelihood of a successful sale.
It’s important to balance the offer price against the likelihood of the sale going through. A high offer with complex conditions may carry more risk than a slightly lower unconditional offer. Your agent will guide you in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each offer to make the best decision for your situation.
Once you accept an offer, the timeline depends on the conditions attached:
Your agent will stay in close contact with the buyer’s representative to monitor progress and keep the process moving smoothly.
When offers start coming in, it’s an exciting yet pivotal phase of the selling journey. Understanding the nuances of offers, including conditions and market dynamics, allows you to navigate this stage with confidence. By working closely with your agent and weighing price against the likelihood of success, you’ll be well-positioned to secure a successful sale. For more insights on preparing for this stage, explore our guides on styling, staging, and marketing your home.
Keep exploring! Head to the next section: Final Steps And Next Moves to discover the next stage of the selling process and take another step toward a smooth and successful sale.