Price talks—but it isn’t everything.

Most sellers are looking for three things:

1. The most money they can possibly get.
2. A buyer with the financial ability to close the transaction.
3. An uncomplicated deal.

The bane of every seller is to have the deal fall apart after the house has been off the market, and the seller has already proceeded toward another home purchase. In a competitive bidding situation, I always counsel my buyers to offer their best price first. If another buyer submits a more attractive offer at the same time, we may be rejected on the spot with no chance to improve it.

However, keep in mind that the property must appraise. A high price may win an accepted offer but ultimately cost you the deal when the property fails to appraise. Be certain any price offered is within the realm of possibility!