How to Compare Two Offers on Your Arlington Home
multiple offers, selling your home, comparing offers, Arlington real estate, negotiating, Virginia
I Have Two Offers on My Home. How Do I Compare Them?
Two offers on your home? The highest price is not the whole story. Compare money, dates, conditions, and how sure the buyer is to close.
How do I compare two offers on my home?
Look past the price. Compare what you would actually take home, the closing date, the conditions, and how likely each buyer is to close.
Getting more than one offer is a good problem to have. It is also easy to pick the wrong one. Here is a simple way to compare.
The Mike Webb Team (Mike and Claudia Webb, RE/MAX Allegiance) helps homeowners in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC get their homes ready to sell and sold.
What should I compare?
Price. The number, and what you would net after costs.
Financing. Cash, or a loan? How strong is the pre-approval?
Deposit. How much earnest money is the buyer putting down?
Conditions. Inspection, loan, appraisal, or the sale of the buyer's current home. Fewer conditions usually means fewer ways for a deal to fall apart.
Dates. Does the closing date fit your move? Do you need more time after closing?
Repairs and credits. Did the buyer ask you to do work or give money back?
Is the higher price always better?
Not always. An offer that is a little higher but needs the buyer to sell a home first may be riskier than one a little lower with strong financing. Your own timing matters too.
Can I ask for changes?
Yes. You can counter one or both offers, ask for a better deposit, or ask for different dates. Your agent helps you write the reply.
How do we keep it fair?
Each offer is judged on its terms. We treat every buyer the same, and Fair Housing rules apply to every step. Ask us how we handle multiple offers and what you want to decide in advance.
What can we promise?
Nobody can promise multiple offers, a price, or a number of days. This post is about what to do if you get more than one.
FAQ
Do I have to accept the highest offer?
No. It is your home and your choice.
What if both offers are almost the same?
Look at the risk and the dates. A short call with each buyer's agent can help.
Can I take both?
No. A home can only be under contract with one buyer at a time. A backup offer may be possible. Ask your agent.
Call or text The Mike Webb Team at 703-350-3884 or visit claudiawebb.com.
The Mike Webb Team, RE/MAX Allegiance. Arlington, Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity.
