The highest number is not always the best offer. Here is how to compare offers with a clear head.
What to look at
- Price. The obvious headline, and only one part of the picture.
- Financing. A strong pre-approval or large down payment makes a smoother path.
- Contingencies. Inspection, appraisal and loan contingencies affect certainty and timing.
- Timing. Does the closing date and any rent-back fit your plans?
- Buyer credits. Requests for closing cost help or repairs change your net.
- The buyer's history and support. Their agent and lender experience matter.
Side-by-side net sheet
Rudy prepares a net proceeds comparison so you can see what each offer puts in your pocket, not just the price on the front page.
Your options
1. Accept the offer as written. 2. Counter with changes to price or terms. 3. Decline and wait for another.
Multiple offers
When several buyers compete, you can ask for their best and final offers by a deadline. Your agent handles the process fairly and professionally for every buyer.
Rate buy-downs and credits
In some markets sellers use a credit toward the buyer's rate buy-down or closing costs to make a home more attractive. It can improve a buyer's monthly payment while keeping your price strong. Rudy can show you what it costs versus what it earns.
Talk to a lender. Rates, loan programs and approvals come from lenders, not from websites or real estate agents. Talk to your own mortgage broker, or use our preferred lender, Rodrigo Ballon with CrossCountry Mortgage, at 858-735-0255. You are always free to choose any lender you like, and you can verify any lender’s license at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
This is general information. Your agent will guide you through your specific offers.
More in Seller Guides
- Pricing Your Home: Comparable Sales, Appraisals and Online Estimates — How a smart price is set, and how to use online estimates, appraisals and comparable sales together.
- Getting Your Home Ready: What Pays Off — A short, smart to-do list: the improvements, cleaning and staging that help homes shine.
- Seller Disclosures: The Forms, Made Simple — The California disclosure forms sellers complete, and how to fill them out with confidence.
- What You Keep: Costs, Net Proceeds and Tax Basics — The costs of selling, how to estimate your net, and the federal home-sale exclusion explained.
- From Listing to Closing: The Timeline — A typical week-by-week schedule for selling a home, from preparation to closing day.
- Selling and Buying Together: Contingencies, Bridge Options and Rent-Backs — How to coordinate a sale and a purchase so your move fits together smoothly.
- Special Situations: Probate and Trust Sales, Tenants, ADUs and More — Guidance for estate and trust sales, homes with tenants, accessory dwelling units and other special cases.
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Programs, rules and limits change, so confirm details with your lender, escrow officer, attorney or tax professional.