Evaluating Multiple Bids

Competition for homes is high in hot markets. When you are a seller faced with multiple offers on your home, how do you choose the best one? Your real estate agent can help you compare and contrast the terms of each proposal.

Look at the price of each offer and evaluate your net profit. Next, consider the terms of each contract. How “clean” is each offer? Are there contingencies that affect the sale, such as the buyers needing to sell another property before they can finalize the purchase of your home? Can you work out a mutually agreeable date for you to move out and for the buyers to move in? Can you get reasonable assurances that the buyers will be able to qualify for the financing they will need?

Your real estate agent can help you weigh the relative merits of each offer, so that you can accept–or counter–the best one, and line up another as an alternative.