What Sellers Should Consider When Comparing Offers

When several buyers are interested in a property, it's natural to focus immediately on the price being offered.

But the highest number on the page isn't always the strongest offer.

An offer is made up of more than price. The conditions, finance position, deposit, settlement timeframe and circumstances of the buyer can all affect how attractive an offer really is.

1. Look Beyond the Dollar Amount

Price is obviously important, but it needs to be considered alongside the terms of the offer.

A slightly lower offer with stronger conditions may sometimes provide a seller with greater certainty than a higher offer containing conditions that introduce additional risk.

The important thing is understanding exactly what each buyer is proposing.

2. Consider the Conditions

Buyers may make their offer subject to finance, building and pest inspections, the sale of another property or other conditions.

Conditions aren't necessarily a reason to reject an offer, but sellers should understand what they mean and how they could affect the sale.

Two offers at similar prices can look quite different once their conditions are considered.

3. Settlement Can Matter Too

The preferred settlement date can vary considerably between buyers.

One buyer may want to settle quickly, while another may require considerably longer.

Depending on your own circumstances, the settlement terms offered by a buyer may be particularly important.

4. Understand the Buyer's Position

Part of managing an offer is understanding the buyer behind it.

How committed are they to the property? Are they actively negotiating on other homes? What is their finance position? Do they have another property to sell?

The more information available, the better equipped a seller is to assess the offer and decide how to respond.

5. Good Negotiation Is About More Than Getting an Offer

Receiving an offer isn't necessarily the end of the negotiation.

How that offer is handled can influence what happens next.

My role is to understand the buyer's position, communicate clearly with my seller and negotiate strategically while protecting my client's interests.

When there are multiple interested buyers, managing that process carefully becomes even more important.

Compare the Whole Offer

When I'm presenting offers to a seller, I want them to understand the complete picture, not simply which buyer has written down the highest number.

Price, conditions, timing, buyer position and certainty all need to be considered before deciding which offer represents the best outcome.

Ultimately, the decision always belongs to the seller. My job is to make sure they have the information and advice they need to make that decision confidently.

For more information about how I approach selling, buyer management and negotiation, you can read my Selling With Jodie guide at JODIE BROOKS Real Estate.

Jodie Brooks
Licensed Real Estate Agent
JODIE BROOKS Real Estate
Redlands | Brisbane | Logan