How To Handle Multiple Offers On A House

Feb 24, 2024 By Susan Kelly

Because there are insufficient houses available to fulfill current demand, many sellers may anticipate receiving offers from more than one prospective purchaser. Although having multiple offers on the house is a desirable issue, deciding between them may take time and effort. The following is a guide that will assist you in selecting a buyer for your house.

Begin With Pricing, But Don't Let That Be Your Last Consideration

Your attention is likely to be drawn to the offer with the highest price, particularly if it is more than the price you are looking for. However, the top bidder may not be able to qualify for a mortgage in the required amount.

Therefore, in addition to considering the money being given, you should consult with your real estate agent or another expert, such as an attorney, to evaluate the conditions of the complete contract. Take, for instance, the amount of cash the buyer intends to put down as a deposit. If the buyer makes a larger down payment, they will have a smaller overall house loan amount, increasing the likelihood that they will be approved for a mortgage.

Compare Contingencies

When prospective purchasers submit an offer, they will often add several stipulations that, if not satisfied, provide them the right to withdraw from the transaction. Being accepted for a mortgage, having the property pass an inspection, and ensuring that the home appraises for a particular amount are all examples of these contingencies. When selling your house, it is best to employ sales contracts with as few conditions as possible. This will reduce the number of opportunities the buyer will have to back out of the agreement.

Consider The Various Payment Options Available To The Buyer

When a buyer pays cash for a property, there is no need to worry about whether or not they will be able to get a mortgage. That increases the likelihood that the transaction will go through. You might request documentation from prospective purchasers showing they have adequate liquid assets and funds to pay for the property.

However, if a buyer needs a mortgage, which is the case most often, you should consider whether or not the buyer has already been preapproved for the house loan. An offer from a buyer who has already been preapproved for finance is more desirable than an offer from a buyer who still needs to make arrangements for financing.

You and your agent need to consider the mortgage company the prospective purchaser intends to use. It is more hopeful than if the buyer picks a lender you have never heard of, especially if it is well-known in your region and has a reputation for swiftly completing transactions. You should conduct some research if you are not acquainted with the lender, or you might ask the buyer for further information.

Ask If The Buyer Can Close Despite A Low Appraisal

The lending institution will order an appraisal. If the assessed market value comes in lower than the offer price, the buyer can be required to make up the difference with money that they already have saved up in the bank. You could give preference to a borrower who can demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to pay a low assessment.

Synchronize Closing Timetables

If you are in a rush to move out of your current home, give preference to a buyer who has already been preapproved for a mortgage and can close on the transaction within a few weeks. On the other hand, if you need more time—for instance, to look for your subsequent residence—you may give preference to a buyer who is willing to meet your needs.

A seller's market has developed in the aftermath of the epidemic, and as a result, purchasers sometimes offer that the seller is allowed to stay in the house for up to sixty days after the closing. It's a rent-back, but in the most competitive markets, purchasers sweeten their offers by waiving the rent they normally would collect.

Review Buyer 'Extras'

Some purchasers may offer to cover a portion of your transaction-related expenses as a strategy for differentiating themselves from rival offers. Someone else might submit an offer with an escalation clause, which states they are willing to outbid any other bidder by a certain sum. These sweeteners may tilt the scales in your favor when deciding between multiple offers comparable to one another in terms of price and the conditions of any contingencies.

When selling your house, getting multiple offers on your property may be quite thrilling. However, consider every aspect of the offers, such as the price, the contingencies, and your capacity to close. In that case, you can effectively manage the multiple offers on the house and sign the best contract.

A Sure Bet