Is the First Offer Always the Best Offer?
Have you ever sold a house before? Are you going through the process of selling your house right now? Whether you’ve been through it before or this is your first time dealing with the ups and downs of home selling, you probably fully understand the temptation to take the first offer you get on your home. You may have even heard the myth that the first offer is always the best offer you’re going to get. But how true is this? Should you wait around for a better offer to come along?
If the offer comes right away…
Then it may not be the best offer. If you get an offer on your home within 24 hours of listing it for sale with your realtor, that offer may come from someone who is trying to see how low you’re willing to go on the property.
On the other hand, it might come from a potential buyer who has been shopping around for a long time. That buyer’s agent may have shown them your home knowing it’s perfect for what they’re looking for. And if this is the case, you may get a great offer.
If you get an offer at or very near your asking price right away, chance are you probably won’t get something higher later on.
If the offer comes delayed…
Then it probably is the best offer you’re going to get. If your home is priced above the usual asking price for properties in your neighborhood, most buyers are probably passing on making any offer at all, thinking you won’t accept what they may be willing to pay.
After a while, a serious buyer may come along and put in an offer after watching the market in your area for a few weeks. If this happens, you’re probably not going to get a better offer at your current asking price, so it’s probably a good idea to go ahead and take that offer.
So IS the first offer the best offer?
Most of the time, yes. Of course, it is your choice to wait and see if you get something better, especially if the offers you’re getting are coming in significantly under your asking price. However, you may end regretting for not taking one of those initial offers, especially if your house stays on the market for weeks and even months to come. Don’t settle for a price you know is far below the value of your home, but don’t be afraid to take that first offer, either. A seasoned real estate agent that knows your area well and has done homework, will advise you on how to get the most dollar for your home and develop an effective marketing strategy.
We have are local area experts in Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, North Phoenix and surrounding area. Are you looking to sell you home? Do you know the value of your home? Click here to get started with a free, no obligation home value estimate.
