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Should You Always Accept the Highest (or First) Offer - And Other Mistakes Sellers Make!

When selling your home, it’s easy to assume that the best offer is simply the one with the highest number on it. After all, who wouldn’t want to get as much as possible for their property, right?

But in reality, the highest offer isn’t always the best offer.

There are a few key questions we always encourage sellers to ask before accepting:

  • How is the buyer funding the purchase?
     Are they using a mortgage, paying with cash, or still waiting on finance approval?

  • Are they chain-free?
     Buyers in long property chains can be vulnerable to delays or fall-throughs. First-time buyers or those who’ve already sold can often move faster and with less risk.
    What’s their timescale?
     Some buyers are ready to go immediately, while others might still be months away from completion.

A slightly lower offer from a buyer with everything in place - their mortgage approved, no chain, and just being fully ready to move - might actually be the stronger choice. 

Essentially, it’s all about looking at the bigger picture, not just the price, as counterintuitive as that might feel!

It’s understandable, you list your property, interest starts rolling in, and a quick offer comes through… but it’s a little under your ideal asking price. 

Many sellers hold off, thinking better (or higher) offers will come in later.

But the first few weeks on the market are often when you’ll see the most serious interest! That early offer might just be the best you’ll get - especially if it’s from a motivated, chain-free buyer.

If the price is close, you might be able to make up the difference on your onward purchase. Plus, a quick sale puts you in a much stronger position when negotiating your next home – especially in a competitive market.

The Bottom Line?

It’s not just about the price - it’s about the people behind the offer, the timelines involved, and how it all lines up with your next move! Let us help you see the full picture, so you can make the right decision - not just the obvious one.

Ready to chat about your move? Get in touch with the Foden Property team today.