A home seller's guide: When should you consider accepting a purchase offer?

by Hilary W. Foutes REALTOR® 12/10/2023

Top reasons to accept a home purchase offer featured image

With the constant flow and moving parts of the real estate market, as a home seller, you may feel the urge to jump on the opportunity to finalize the sell of your home as soon as you receive an offer. However, taking time to review some key facts before accepting an offer letter can help you make a well-informed decision and boost up your earning potential. 

Review your home selling goals

Before accepting an offer, review your home selling goals to make sure everything aligns. Is the amount offered within the range you were aiming for? Does the offer make your home selling journey easier, or will it require extra work, such as the proposal for extra improvements to be done to the property (for example, an updated roof)?  

If a proposal fails to meet your home selling goals, you may want to counter or reject the offer. On the other hand, if an offer to purchase falls in line with your home selling goals, you may want to approve the proposal.

Consider your home selling timeline

As you start to receive offer letters for your home, it’s essential to consider the timeline in which you’d like to sell the property. If you receive an offer slightly below your initial asking price from a buyer equipped to finalize the sell as soon as possible, you may be more prompt to accept the offer if you need to move out quickly. 

Consult a real estate agent

When you receive an offer to purchase your home, a real estate agent can provide expert information to help you decide if an offer is worth accepting. If the offer is below expectation, they can advocate on your behalf and help you counteroffer or help you in deciding to decline.  

Even though the home selling process can be stressful, it’s important to take your time as you make decisions each step of the way and collaborate with a real estate professional who has your best interest in mind.



About the Author
Author

Hilary W. Foutes REALTOR®

As a forty three-year resident of Swampscott and having been in Real Estate for 21+ years on the North Shore of Boston, I have had top award-winning sales performances year after year in our local community. Achieving top sales results with extensive knowledge of Swampscott, Marblehead and the surrounding north shore towns have made me an expert in my field and demographic area. I am considered one of the best negotiators around, have tremendous relationships with inspectors, lawyers, appraisers, contractors, and even my fellow colleagues in this business. I pride myself on my attention to detail, expert transaction coordination, fiduciary obligations, knowledge of the real estate legalities, and ability to handle the most important purchase or sale of your financial portfolio…YOUR home!