Does a Seller Have to Accept an Offer at Full List Price?

Buying your first home brings a lot of questions: How much do I need? What kind of house should I buy? Where should I buy? As the market picks up each spring, there’s another one buyers ask more and more often.

“If we offer the full list price, do they have to accept it?”

This question came from buyers the Right Choice team was working with. Some sellers and their agents list a home lower than what they’re actually hoping to get, to attract attention and drum up multiple offers.

So the buyers wondered: if a seller only gets one offer, and it’s at full list price, are they obligated to sell?

The answer is no.

Sellers can say no to any offer

A seller is never required to accept an offer, even if it’s at or above the asking price, and even if it’s the only offer. It’s their right to accept, counter or reject any offer they receive.

That’s why offer presentations can be unpredictable. A seller might accept your offer right away. Or they might be holding out for more, and decide to wait.

What this means for buyers

• List price is not a guarantee of what a home will sell for.
• Understand the strategy behind how a home was priced before you make an offer.
• Know your limit ahead of time so you don’t get swept up in the moment.
• Lean on your REALTOR® to read the situation and build the right offer.

First-time buyers are our specialty

Veronica Murphy works with first-time buyers all the time, and she’s happy to answer every question, whether you’re ready to buy now or just starting to think about it. As Joe puts it, she truly cares about everyone she works with.

Call 289-276-1716 or start your home search.