Welcome back to my Selling Your Home Made Easy series. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know to sell your home in today’s market, from choosing the right agent to closing day.
Let’s talk about one of the biggest decisions you’ll face as a seller: Which offer should you accept?
Multiple offers are every seller’s dream. But choosing the right one is more than just picking the highest number. Some offers may come with risks, while others could give you a better shot at making it to the closing table with less stress.

Here’s how to spot the offer that works best for you.
Start With What Matters Most to You
Before your home even hits the market, decide what your priorities are. That way, when offers come in, you won’t be caught off guard.
Ask yourself a few key questions:
- Do you need a quick or delayed closing?
- Are you okay with a lower price if the terms are more favorable?
- Are there any specific deal breakers for you?
Knowing your boundaries early on makes it much easier to filter through the offers and stay focused on your goals.
The Highest Price Is Not Always the Best Deal
It’s easy to be drawn to the biggest number on paper, but take a moment to look at the full picture. A lower offer with better terms might be the safer, more profitable path overall.
Keep an eye out for these strong signs:
- A larger down payment or all-cash offer can reduce complications and speed up the process
- Conventional loans typically close faster than FHA or VA loans
- A high earnest money deposit shows the buyer is serious
- Waived contingencies may reduce delays and risks for you
- A responsive and reputable lender can be the difference between smooth sailing and frustration
Your agent should help you weigh each of these factors as you review the full offer package.
Stay Professional During Negotiations
It’s important to remain fair and consistent during the review process. That means sharing the same information with all potential buyers, setting clear expectations, and being respectful in your communication.
Buyers can walk away if they feel the seller is being difficult, unresponsive, or dismissive. Even if you’re in a strong position, staying flexible and professional helps you get to the finish line with fewer headaches.
Should You Read Buyer “Love Letters”?
When multiple buyers are interested, some will include personal letters to try and win your favor. These often include photos and heartfelt stories about why your home is the perfect fit.
While these letters may seem harmless, they can introduce unconscious bias into the process. They also raise fair housing concerns that could create legal risk, even if unintentionally.
If you decide to review these letters, do it only after you’ve narrowed down the strongest offers based on price, terms, and financial readiness. Or, consider skipping them altogether and keeping your focus on the contract itself.
This Is Where I Come In
One of the most important roles I play is helping you analyze offers beyond the sale price. I know what red flags to look for, how to spot a solid offer, and how to guide you through the fine print. My goal is to help you choose the offer that not only looks good but also gets you to closing.
If you’re thinking of selling, reach out a few months before you plan to list. I’ll walk you through your options, show you how to prepare your home, and help you understand exactly what to expect when offers start rolling in. If for any reason I’m not the right fit for your situation, I’m always happy to recommend another trusted agent who can help.
Contact me anytime and let’s start planning for a smooth and successful sale.
Up Next in the Series:
How to Negotiate From Contract Through Inspection
This article will show you what to expect after you’ve accepted an offer, including how to handle contingencies and inspection-related negotiations with confidence.
Hi, there!
Hi! I'm Gretchen Schmidt. I help busy professionals in the Pacific NW. I can remove the overwhelm of getting your house ready to sell, and remove the worry that you'll miss out on your dream home. Thank you for being here and I hope to help you get started finding your next home.
Ready to go now?
Let's get started with a coffee or a cocktail.
Contact
206-850-4977
3518 SW Genesee St.
Seattle, WA 98126
gretchen@gretchen-schmidt.com
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Great Series to Help You Get Started
> Everything You Didn't Know You Needed To Know Before Buying A Home
> Just For You: Dirty Little Secrets for Buying A Home
> Homeowners: How to Protect Your Home and Not Break Your Budget
> Homeowner Tips Such As: How to Tell it's Time to Replace Your Water Heater