After you receive an offer to buy your house, you likely will have only a short period of time to determine whether to accept this proposal. As such, pressure can add up quickly, which often can make it tough to make the best-possible decision.
Fortunately, we're here to help you analyze your options and determine how to proceed with a homebuying proposal.
Let's take a look at three steps that every home seller should take after receiving a homebuying offer.
1. Weigh the Pros and Cons
Make a pros and cons list to examine a homebuying proposal – you'll be glad you did. With this list, you can assess the advantages and disadvantages of accepting a homebuying offer and proceed accordingly.
If you accept an offer, you can move forward in the home selling process. On the other hand, if you don't feel that an offer matches your expectations, there may be no reason to accept this proposal.
2. Evaluate Your Home Selling Goals
Consider your home selling goals as you evaluate an offer to buy your house. By doing so, you can determine whether an offer falls in line with your goals.
For example, if your goal is to sell your house as quickly as possible, the amount of the offer may not matter. In this scenario, you may want to accept a homebuying proposal to accelerate the home selling process.
Comparatively, if your goal is to maximize your profits, you will need to determine if a current offer is the best proposal that you could receive. If the answer is "Yes," then you may want to proceed with a home sale. Or, if the answer is "No," you may want to reject or counter a buyer's proposal.
3. Consult with a Real Estate Agent
Let's face it – evaluating a homebuying proposal can be difficult, particularly for a first-time home seller. If you consult with a real estate agent, however, you can get the help you need to make an informed decision about an offer.
A real estate agent can offer lots of housing market data to help you understand the current value of your house. Plus, this housing market professional can provide recommendations about whether to accept, reject or counter a homebuying proposal.
Perhaps best of all, a real estate agent will serve as a guide throughout the home selling journey. He or she can keep you up to date about any offers on your house, perform deep analysis of all homebuying proposals and ensure you can determine the best course of action on any offer, at any time.
Let's not forget about the housing market expertise that a real estate agent possesses, either. A real estate agent understands there is no such thing as a "bad" question. Thus, a real estate agent will respond to any home selling queries that you may have.
Take the guesswork out of assessing a homebuying proposal – use the aforementioned steps, and you can determine whether to accept an offer on your house.
About the Author
Jamie Jamieson
Professional Association National Association of Realtors (NAR) New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors/ Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service Education I hold an A.A in Italian Studies and an A.S in Accounting as well as being one of few students accepted into the Cambridge University International Student Study Program abroad as a returning student in 2011. Community Involvement I am proud to serve on the Home & School Board for St. Augustine School in Ossining and maintain the role of a Girl Scout leader. I am an active member of the community assisting in a variety of fundraising efforts. Personal I am a young and energetic agent who prides myself on providing personalized service with honest representation whether you are buying or selling your home. My expertise of the river towns, attention to detail and excitement for real estate are a few of the many assets I will bring to you. I will utilize my eagerness and market knowledge of the area to build lasting relationships with all of my clients that will extend far beyond the closing table. Be at ease from start to finish with my help. In my spare time, I love exploring the Hudson Valley with my husband, three children and our dog, Pippin. I love scoping out the infinite restaurants, farmers markets and other fabulous activities this exciting county has to offer. Experience Before joining William Raveis Legends Realty Group I started my career with Hudson Homes Sotheby's International Realty team. Prior to real estate, I had a remarkable 15+ year career in Restaurant Management/Hospitality including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Rivermarket and several establishments in Newport, Rhode Island. My experience in that field provided me with the foundation of excellence in customer service. Areas Covered All of Westchester County and parts of Putnam County.