When the First Buyer Isn’t the Right Buyer

The Myth: “The First Offer Is Always the Best Offer”

It’s a common phrase in real estate, and sometimes it’s true—but not always. The first offer you receive may be the right one, or it may simply be the first person to raise their hand. As your agent, my role is to help you look beyond speed and focus on fit.

Because in the end, selling your home is about more than just getting to the closing table—it’s about getting there with confidence that you made the right choice.

What Makes an Offer “Good”?

When an offer comes in, most people look straight at the price. And yes, that’s important—but it’s not the full picture. Here’s what I evaluate for you:

• Financing Strength: Is the buyer pre-approved? Are they putting enough down to avoid issues with appraisal or financing?

• Contingencies: Are they asking for a home sale contingency, repairs, or other conditions that could slow things down?

• Closing Timeline: Does the date align with your plans for moving or purchasing your next home?

• Earnest Money Deposit: A strong deposit can signal a serious, committed buyer.

Why Saying “Yes” Too Soon Can Backfire

I’ve had transactions where a home went under contract within 24 hours, but the deal later fell apart due to financing, inspection surprises, or unrealistic buyer demands.

One Germantown home I sold had a first offer that looked strong—but the buyer’s financing was shaky. We passed, waited another week, and ended up with a better-qualified buyer who closed smoothly and even paid $5,000 more than the first offer.

Balancing Speed and Strategy

Of course, we don’t want to drag things out unnecessarily. In many cases, the first offer is the right one. But my job is to slow the process down just enough to evaluate it against your goals, the current market, and your alternatives.

Sometimes I’ll recommend countering instead of accepting outright. Sometimes we’ll negotiate better terms. And sometimes, we’ll move forward quickly because everything aligns perfectly.

My Promise to Sellers

I will always:

• Present every offer with a breakdown of strengths and weaknesses.

• Advise you on potential risks and hidden opportunities.

• Keep your goals front and center—whether that’s top dollar, fastest closing, or least stress.

Bottom Line: Fast isn’t always best. The right buyer is the one who brings the right combination of price, terms, and reliability—and I’ll help you find them.