Navigating Multiple Offers
💼 Navigating Multiple Offers: How to Choose the Right One (Not Just the Highest)
It’s every seller’s dream: multiple offers coming in just days after listing. 🎉
But here’s where it gets tricky—the best offer isn’t always the highest one.
In today’s Chattanooga Valley real estate market, sellers are finding that the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one often comes down to which offer they choose, not just how big the number is.
At Hanson Capital Homes, we help our sellers look beyond the dollar signs to understand what really makes an offer strong, secure, and smart. Here’s what you need to know before saying yes to that tempting top line.
🧾 1. Look Beyond the Price Tag
Yes, the sale price matters—but it’s just one part of the story.
A $450,000 offer with poor terms can easily be worse than a $440,000 offer with clean financing and fewer contingencies.
Ask yourself:
Is the buyer paying cash or financing?
If financing, how strong is their pre-approval?
Are they asking for closing cost help or extras?
💡 Pro Tip: A clean, solid offer that closes without headaches can be worth more than an extra $5K on paper.
📅 2. Check the Closing Timeline
Timing can make or break a deal.
Need to move fast? A cash buyer who can close in 10–14 days might be your best bet.
Need time to find your next home? A flexible buyer who offers a rent-back agreement or extended closing can save you stress and moving costs.
🎯 Remember: The “right” offer fits your schedule, not just your bottom line.
🧰 3. Scrutinize Contingencies
Contingencies are the “what ifs” of a contract—inspection, financing, appraisal, and sale-of-home clauses. The fewer there are, the less risk for you.
Common examples:
Inspection contingency: Buyer can walk away if repairs are too costly.
Appraisal contingency: Deal depends on the home appraising for full value.
Home sale contingency: Buyer must sell their current home first.
⚠️ Fewer contingencies = fewer chances for the deal to fall apart.
💵 4. Evaluate Earnest Money Deposits
The earnest money shows how serious a buyer is. Larger deposits signal confidence and commitment.
In 2025, the Chattanooga average earnest deposit ranges from 1%–3% of the purchase price.
💡 Rule of Thumb: Bigger deposits = stronger buyers.
🏦 5. Verify the Buyer’s Financing Strength
Even the best offer can collapse if the buyer’s loan falls through.
Ask your agent (👋 that’s us) to:
Verify the lender’s pre-approval letter
Ask if the buyer’s income and credit are already verified
Check if their down payment and loan type fit your home’s value
💬 Real Talk: VA and FHA loans are great options, but sometimes require extra appraisal standards—worth knowing before you accept.
🧠 6. Don’t Overlook Buyer Motivation
Why is the buyer moving? Motivation matters.
A buyer relocating for work or a family move may be more committed to closing than an investor testing the market.
Relocation buyers: Often ready to close fast.
Investors: Can be flexible, but might negotiate harder.
First-time buyers: May need more handholding but often bring genuine enthusiasm.
❤️ Emotional commitment counts when deadlines and repairs start adding pressure.
🧮 7. Compare the Net, Not Just the Offer
It’s not just about what the buyer offers—it’s about what you actually take home.
Example:
Offer A: $450,000 with $10,000 in seller concessions = $440,000 net
Offer B: $445,000 with no concessions = $445,000 net
🎯 The key is comparing apples to apples—your true bottom line after credits, fees, and terms.
🧭 Featured Snippet: How to Choose the Best Offer in a Multiple-Offer Situation
Compare net proceeds, not just price
Review financing type and pre-approval strength
Minimize contingencies and risk
Match closing timelines with your needs
Look for motivation and reliability over hype
🏁 Final Thoughts: The Smartest Offer Wins, Not the Highest
In 2025’s competitive Chattanooga Valley market, choosing the right offer is about strategy, not speed. The strongest offer is the one that’s fair, reliable, and aligned with your goals.
At Hanson Capital Homes, we walk sellers through every detail—from comparing terms to negotiating the cleanest, most secure deal possible.
🎯 Ready to sort through multiple offers with confidence? Let’s review your options together and make sure you choose the one that makes the most sense. Click here!
💬 Have you ever had to choose between multiple offers? What mattered most to you—price, speed, or security? Share your story in the comments!
