Getting the best deal means understanding more than the price.
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Receiving an offer is exciting — but not all offers are equal. The highest price doesn’t always mean the best outcome. The best offer is the one that maximizes your net proceeds while minimizing risk from financing, appraisal, contingencies, and delays. When evaluating an offer, the goal isn’t just the highest number — it’s a combination of net proceeds, certainty, and timing. This is why evaluating an offer requires more than just comparing prices. It requires understanding how each term affects the likelihood of a smooth closing and your final bottom line.
According to the National Association of Realtors, the strongest offers combine price with good financing, clean terms, and certainty of closing. Scott helps sellers evaluate offers objectively and negotiate terms that protect your timeline and bottom line. With $53M+ sold and 82+ five-star reviews, you get clear guidance through every decision point. |
What's Actually in a Purchase Offer?
1. Purchase Price
The headline number — but it’s only one part of the deal.
2. Earnest Money Deposit
A buyer’s good-faith deposit. Larger deposits can signal stronger commitment, but terms matter.
3. Financing Type
● Conventional (often more flexible)
● FHA / VA (can be strong buyers, but may have stricter appraisal/condition considerations)
● Cash (often faster, fewer financing risks)
4. Down Payment / Proof of Funds
Higher down payment and verified funds generally reduce financing risk.
5. Inspection Terms
Inspection periods create a second negotiation window (repairs, credits, or price changes).
6. Appraisal Terms
If the appraisal comes in low, the deal can shift. Some buyers bridge the gap; others renegotiate.
7. Closing Timeline & Occupancy
Fast close vs flexible close, rent-back needs, and move timing all affect your convenience.
8. Seller Concessions
Requests for the seller to pay certain costs or credits. These directly impact your net proceeds.
9. Contingencies
Contingencies are contract conditions that must be satisfied before closing. Common contingencies can include financing, appraisal, inspection, HOA/doc review, or sale-of-buyer’s-home (higher uncertainty).
10. Buyer-Agent Compensation / Credits (if requested)
Sellers may choose whether to offer concessions/credits that help a buyer complete the purchase. This is a strategic decision, not automatic.
Understanding Risk Before You Accept an Offer
● Appraisal exposure at the agreed price
● Aggressive inspection timelines or repair expectations
● Excessive or unclear contingencies
● Concessions that limit flexibility later in the process
Scott’s role is to help identify risks early to help you avoid surprises and choose the offer most likely to close smoothly.
How We Compare Offers Side-by-Side
What you actually walk away with after credits, repairs, concessions, closing costs, and timing considerations. A higher offer price does not always mean more in your pocket.
How the closing date, inspection period, and occupancy terms align with your plans.
The probability the deal will close based on financing strength, contingencies, and appraisal risk.
What If You Receive Multiple Offers?
● Requesting improvements to price or conditions
● Using timing and counteroffers to protect leverage
There is no single “right” strategy. The best approach depends on your goals, the buyer pool, and how each offer compares on price, terms, and risk.
What Can Be Negotiated in an Offer?
● Seller concessions or credits
● Inspection-related requests
● Appraisal terms
● Closing timeline or occupancy needs
● Deadlines and contingency periods
Negotiation isn’t about being confrontational — it’s about reaching an agreement that protects your interests while keeping the deal on track.
What Happens After You Accept an Offer ✅
2. Inspections are completed and any issues are addressed
3. Appraisal is ordered (if the buyer is financing)
4. Buyer completes loan approval and underwriting
5. Title work and final documents are prepared
6. Final walkthrough and closing
Scott manages the process, tracks deadlines, and communicates at each major milestone so you always know what’s happening and what comes next.
The Goal: A Clean Closing With No Surprises
The best negotiation outcome is one where:
● Terms are clearly understood
● Risks are addressed early
● Communication stays open
● The deal closes as expected
Evaluating and negotiating offers is about clarity, not pressure — and about making confident decisions with full information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I always accept the highest offer?
A: Not always. The best offer balances price with certainty, timing, and clean terms. A slightly lower offer with stronger financing and fewer contingencies often produces a smoother closing and better net outcome.
Q: What are seller concessions and when do they make sense?
A: Seller concessions are costs or credits you agree to cover to help the transaction close. They can be strategic in competitive markets or with certain financing types — and are best evaluated in context.
Q: What happens if the appraisal comes in low?
A: If the appraisal is below the contract price, options include renegotiation, buyer bringing additional funds, or cancellation. Scott helps structure offers to reduce this risk.
Q: How long does the negotiation process take?
A: Timelines vary by contract terms, inspection periods, and financing. Many negotiation windows occur in the first 5–10 business days after acceptance.
Q: Can I negotiate after accepting an offer?
A: Once the contract is signed, agreed terms are binding. However, inspection findings and appraisal results can lead to follow-up discussions.
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T. S. - I chose Scott Morreau to be my agent in selling my Oakland Park house simply because I liked his profile and his presentation! He seemed trustworthy as well as sorta fun. Scott is both. I had done extensive upgrades (solar, high impact windows & doors, new roof, new HVAC, etc), but felt my time in Florida had expired. My house sold in about two weeks - far faster than I had expected, meaning I was moving North in January! The sale went very smoothly. Even though I've done all this before, I'm quite ignorant about it. Yet I was not stressed; Scott did all things wonderfully. Thanks, man!Webb Wiggins
- Scott makes the home-buying process seamless and stress-free. He is knowledgeable, professional, and offers expert advice every step of the way. What truly stands out is his dedication to making sure his clients are completely satisfied. If you're looking for a trustworthy, hard-working real estate agent, look no further than Scott Morreau!Dan Jacobson
