Home Seller Tips!

Written By The Via Domus Team

Understanding Offers: What Sellers Should Look For Beyond Price

When it comes to selling your home, most sellers naturally focus on one thing: the purchase price. While it’s tempting to accept the highest dollar amount that comes your way, price alone doesn’t always tell the whole story. The truth is, the strongest offer isn’t always the one with the biggest number—it’s the one that best aligns with your financial, practical, and emotional goals.

At The Via Domus Team of William Raveis Real Estate, we guide sellers through every detail of an offer so you can make a decision that leads to a smoother, more successful closing.

Why Price Isn’t Everything

Imagine receiving two offers on your home: one that’s $10,000 higher but loaded with contingencies, and another that’s slightly lower but with clean terms and a quick closing. Which is better? Often, the second one can be less risky and more reliable, saving you stress, time, and even money in the long run.

Key Factors to Consider Beyond Price

1. Financing Terms

Not all financing is equal. A buyer who is fully pre-approved with a reputable lender is a safer bet than someone with only a pre-qualification letter. Cash offers, though less common, can be even stronger because they eliminate mortgage approval risks.

2. Contingencies

Contingencies are conditions that must be met for the sale to move forward. Common ones include:

  • Inspection Contingency – Allows buyers to negotiate repairs or credits.

  • Appraisal Contingency – Ensures the home appraises for at least the purchase price.

  • Home Sale Contingency – Ties the purchase of your home to the buyer selling theirs.

The fewer contingencies an offer has, the less opportunity for delays or cancellations.

3. Closing Timeline

Timing matters. Some buyers may request an extended closing, while others can close quickly. If you need flexibility—for example, extra time to find your next home—choosing an offer with a timeline that matches your needs can be just as valuable as a higher price.

4. Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)

This deposit shows the buyer’s level of commitment. A strong EMD gives sellers peace of mind that the buyer is serious and less likely to walk away without cause.

5. Buyer Motivation

Not every offer comes from the same place. A highly motivated buyer may be more willing to compromise and stick with the transaction through obstacles. As agents, we often get insight into the buyer’s story, which can help sellers understand who is truly ready to close.

6. Escalation Clauses

Sometimes buyers include an escalation clause—agreeing to outbid competing offers up to a certain amount. While this can drive the price up, it’s important to review the details carefully to ensure it benefits you.

How We Guide Sellers Through Offers

At The Via Domus Team, we know reviewing offers can feel overwhelming. That’s why we:

  • Analyze every term so you fully understand the risks and benefits.

  • Compare offers side by side beyond just price.

  • Negotiate strategically to protect your equity while keeping your stress low.

  • Provide expert advice on which offers are most likely to close smoothly.

Final Thought

When you sell your home, you deserve more than just the highest number—you deserve the best possible outcome. By looking beyond price and weighing factors like contingencies, financing, and timelines, you can choose the offer that truly benefits you. At The Via Domus Team, we combine award-winning service, local expertise, and strong negotiation skills to make sure you get both the value and the peace of mind you deserve.

Thinking about selling your home? Let’s talk strategy.

Contact Brenda and Michael at The Via Domus Team of William Raveis Real Estate and let’s explore how we can help you sell with clarity, confidence, and control.

Reach out today for a complimentary seller consultation.
Helping You Find (and Sell) the Way Home.

Contact us today and set up a free, no-obligation, seller consultation appointment.

The Via Domus Team

Award-winning service, experience and dedication! When you choose The Via Domus Team of William Raveis Real Estate to help buy or sell a home, you not only receive the expertise of two full-time, professional real estate agents, but you also receive our award-winning service. As partners, we have proudly earned the #8 Partnership in Connecticut, Closed Units and the Chairman's Club Award for over $7 million in sales for 2021, President's Club Award for over $6 million in sales for 2020 and over $5 million in 2019, #3 Partnership in Connecticut for Closed Units in 2019, along with the Excellence in Customer Service Award for multiple years with William Raveis Real Estate. We are also Certified Homeownership Professionals with special training in the mortgage, insurance, and settlement services areas, so we can properly advise our clients through every step of homeownership. We are dedicated to making the home selling and buying adventure a smooth and stress-free experience for our clients. From the day you sign a listing agreement for your home or a buyer representation agreement with The Via Domus Team, to the day of your closing, we will be with you every step of the way. Helping Our Clients Find The Way Home!

https://www.theviadomusteam.com
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