One of the most common questions we hear from home sellers is:
"Should we wait for something better?"
It's a fair question. After all, you've just listed your home, excitement is high, and the first offer arrives. Surely there are more buyers coming... right?
Sometimes, yes.
But surprisingly often, the first serious offer turns out to be the strongest one.
Why Sellers Often Reject the First Offer
Most sellers don't reject a first offer because it's unreasonable. They reject it because they believe something better is just around the corner (often true for more than just real estate - ask me why I’m still single).
Some common reasons include:
They feel their home is worth more than the market is currently offering.
They hope another buyer will compete and drive the price higher.
They assume that receiving an offer quickly means they'll have no trouble finding an even better one. They wonder if they’ve underpriced their home.
In fact, industry data suggests that roughly 90% of low or below-expectation first offers are countered or rejected rather than accepted outright.
Negotiating is perfectly reasonable. Simply walking away from a good offer without carefully considering the market, however, can sometimes become an expensive decision.
What Happens After the First Few Weeks?
The first few weeks on the market are typically when your listing receives the greatest exposure.
Your home appears as a new listing and gets the most “eyes”.
Buyers who have been waiting for something like yours book showings immediately.
Serious buyers know that desirable homes don't stay available for long.
If a home doesn't sell during this initial window, something changes.
Buyers begin to wonder why it hasn't sold.
New listings steal attention.
The seller often loses negotiating leverage.
As days on market increase, it becomes more common to see price reductions, renewed negotiations, or offers well below the original asking price.
The Irony We See All the Time
One of the most frustrating situations occurs when a seller rejects a strong early offer, waits several months, reduces the price, and ultimately sells for less than that original offer.
That doesn't happen every time, but it happens often enough that experienced REALTORS® pay close attention to early offers.
The first buyer is frequently the one who has been watching the market, understands current values, and is motivated to act quickly.
Of Course, Not Every First Offer Is the Best Offer
This doesn't mean sellers should automatically accept the first offer they receive.
Every offer should be evaluated based on several factors, including:
Price
Deposit amount
Conditions (financing, inspection, sale of another property, etc.)
Closing date
The current level of buyer activity
Comparable recent sales
How long similar homes are taking to sell
Sometimes the best strategy is to negotiate.
Sometimes it's appropriate to wait.
The key is making that decision based on market evidence rather than hope.
Every Market Is Different
Real estate isn't one-size-fits-all.
A properly priced home in a competitive neighbourhood may attract multiple offers in the first few days.
A unique waterfront property, rural home, luxury property, or vacant land listing may have a much smaller pool of buyers and require a different negotiation strategy.
That's why context matters far more than simplistic rules like "never accept the first offer."
The Bottom Line
The first offer isn't always the highest offer, but sometimes it’s the only offer. It is often the offer made when your negotiating position is strongest.
If you're selling your home, don't judge an offer solely because it arrived early. Evaluate it carefully, negotiate thoughtfully, and make your decision based on today's market—not on the hope that tomorrow's buyer will pay more.
A good negotiation isn't about squeezing every last dollar out of the first buyer. It's about achieving the best overall outcome with the information available at the time.
We guide you in evaluating an offer—or making one—by assessing the unique situation. The right strategy depends on factors like how long the property has been on the market, how the offer compares to recent sales, and the strength of the terms.
Every negotiation is different, and getting good advice before responding can make a meaningful difference.
Let’s chat about how we help you avoid regret!