If you’re selling your home, the idea of getting multiple offers to buy might seem like an ideal scenario. However, managing multiple offers can be complicated and even stressful. Working with a real estate agent will help you figure out the best course of action, but so will understanding your options. Here are some choices you can make when presented with a multiple offer scenario:
The easiest thing to do in a multiple offer scenario is to accept the best offer on the table. This means no extra negotiation and a potentially higher sale price without adding time to your process. Accept the best offer and reject the rest immediately to make your decision.
Another option is to let all the buyers know there are multiple offers in play. Disclosing multiple offers to everyone involved means buyers can counter with a better offer. If they are not interested in upping their price or adding better terms, they can walk away from the sale and leave the others for you to negotiate with.
If you receive one offer that’s better than the rest, you can disclose it to the other potential buyers. This gives them the chance to either match or surpass the best offer. This might cause some buyers to walk away and others to increase their offer.
Sometimes there can be one offer that’s more promising than the rest. Even if it’s a top choice, you can counter the offer while letting the other potential buyers wait or a decision. You might get better contract terms or a better price from the “favorite” offer. If not, you know you still have backup options as long as you don’t reject them right away.
Juggling multiple offers can be stressful or exciting depending on the situation. No matter what, it’s a good idea to go over the options with a real estate professional for help in negotiating the best potential outcome.
Passionate about nature and the environment—I love the sea—I live happily in Beverly with my husband, Mike, and am owned by two collies. When I'm not doing real estate, you can find me with camera in hand photographing wildlife and birds.
This is a beautiful corner of the country with quick access to the ocean, country, city, and mountains. I'd love to help you find your own little piece of it.
