The Hidden Factors That Make an Offer the Right One

The highest offer isn’t always the best—you need to consider commissions and overall financial gains to find the best one for you.

As a seller, how do you really know what’s the best offer? It’s a question I hear almost daily, especially with the recent changes in commission structures that have made the process a bit more complicated. Here's the thing: it’s not just about accepting the highest bid anymore. There's a lot more to consider, and as a real estate professional, my job is to help you navigate these waters and make sure you choose the offer that truly benefits you. Let’s break it down:

Evaluating offers: It’s more complicated now. With the new commission structures, offers aren’t as straightforward as they used to be. Before, you could focus solely on the price, and the commission was almost an afterthought. Now, because commissions are more negotiable, you have to assess each offer by looking at the price minus compensation. This means every time you get an offer, you need to evaluate it carefully—not just once, but every time. That adds a layer of complexity most sellers aren’t aware of.

Financial gain isn't the only factor. Of course, financial gain is top of mind for many sellers, but believe it or not, some people put value on the interpersonal aspects of an offer. Have you ever heard of buyers submitting “love letters” to sellers? These letters detail who they are, why they want the house, and sometimes, their emotional connection to the property. For some sellers, this matters. It’s not uncommon for people to choose an offer not just based on price, but also on who the buyer is and what their story is. That’s something to think about when weighing your options.

Reliability matters more than you think. Now, let me be clear: accepting an offer is not the finish line. In fact, it’s just the start. You still have several steps to go before the deal closes, and that’s why reliability matters. The offer that looks good on paper might not be the one that makes it to the finish line. This is where I come in—to help you understand which offer is the most likely to close smoothly and without surprises. You don’t want to be halfway through the process only to have the deal fall apart.

"The offer that looks good on paper might not be the one that makes it to the finish line."

Why experience matters more than ever. You need an agent who’s in the trenches every day, not just someone who’s been in the business for years but isn't as active in the current market. Things change fast, and someone who’s selling homes daily, like I do, knows what’s working, what’s not, and where buyers and sellers stand. I sell around 30 homes a year—that’s a couple of homes a month. That constant activity keeps me sharp and in tune with what’s going on, and it’s this expertise I bring to my clients.

The power of collaboration. I also believe that collaboration is key. I work closely with my clients, ensuring we’re making decisions together and using my expertise to guide them through the process. When there’s good communication and collaboration between us, the process runs smoothly. Problems often arise when clients and agents don’t work as a team, and I make it a priority to prevent that from happening.

If you’re looking for an experienced professional who will not only guide you through the process but also help you choose the right offer for your unique situation, you can call me at 916-847-2205. I’m here to help you navigate the real estate market with confidence.