Real Estate: What Makes an Offer Perfect?

Sometimes, even the “perfect” offer isn’t perfect after all.

You make an offer on a house. Full asking price. A few other things to make it appealing to the seller (short inspection time, no seller concessions, etc.). There are no other offers on the table. Sounds like a sure thing, right? The offer is submitted, and then…it’s not accepted. Seriously???

Real estate truly is an unpredictable business. Nearly anyone who has bought or sold a house will have stories to tell of when a deal seemed like a sure thing until something went sideways. Maybe it was a buyer who backed out at the last minute after a change of heart or job circumstances, or maybe a seller decides AFTER your full-price offer is submitted that they now want to wait a week and see if more offers come in.

It works both ways. Buyers and sellers can both change their minds. Wants and and needs change. Circumstances change. Despite best intentions, emotions overrule logic.

Just remember that if you are the one changing your mind, speak with your realtor and be aware of any potential consequences (alienating the other party, losing earnest money, etc.).

If you’re the one dealing with a flip-flop on the other side, well…yes, it can be very frustrating. But you do have options, whether it is to back out of the deal and move on, or renegotiate the contract. Again, just work through it with your realtor and decide what the best course is for you and your goals.

Either way, try to keep emotion out of the equation as much as you can, maintain your sense of humor, and remember–nothing is for sure until the deal closes!