How to Choose the Right Offer

How to Choose the Right Offer—It’s Not Just About Price

What every Minnesota home seller should consider before saying yes

When your home hits the market, the dream scenario is multiple offers—right? And while that’s always a great position to be in, it also means you have an important decision to make. Which offer is actually the best one?

Spoiler alert: it’s not always the highest number.

At Pauling Homes Team, we help our sellers look beyond the price tag and weigh all the moving parts. Here’s what really matters when choosing the right offer:

💰 1. Price (Yes, It Still Matters)

Obviously, price is a big factor. But it’s just the beginning. A higher offer with risky financing or tricky contingencies might not be the win it seems at first glance.

✅ 2. Financing Type

Is the buyer paying cash? Using conventional financing? FHA or VA? Each comes with different timelines, appraisal requirements, and risks. We’ll help you assess the strength of each buyer’s financial position.

🧾 3. Contingencies

These are the "if this, then that" clauses in an offer. Common ones include:

• Home inspection contingency

• Financing contingency

• Appraisal contingency

• Sale of buyer’s current home

Fewer contingencies = fewer potential roadblocks. We’ll help you understand what each one means and how to protect your interests.

🕰️ 4. Closing Date & Flexibility

Timing can be everything. Need to stay a few extra weeks after closing? A flexible buyer could be a huge advantage. On the flip side, if you want to close fast, we’ll prioritize offers that align with your timeline.

🏠 5. Earnest Money

This is the buyer’s “skin in the game.” A larger earnest money deposit shows serious intent and adds peace of mind that they won’t walk away easily.

🧍‍♂️ 6. Buyer’s Motivation

Are they relocating for work? Is this their dream home? Are they working with an experienced agent? A well-written, clean offer from a serious buyer can carry more weight than a higher one with red flags.

💌 7. Buyer Letters (a note on emotion)

While love letters from buyers can tug at your heartstrings, they’re not legally binding—and in some cases, they could lead to fair housing concerns. We’ll help you handle these with care and focus on the terms that matter most.

👩‍💼 8. The Buyer’s Agent

We evaluate more than just the offer—we also consider who’s representing the buyer. A responsive, knowledgeable agent on the other side of the table can make the entire transaction smoother.

🔍 9. Inspection Terms

Some buyers may waive the inspection, opt for a pass/fail clause, or offer to cap repair requests. These can reduce surprises down the road and keep things on track.

🧭 10. Your Bigger Picture

Ultimately, the right offer is the one that aligns with your goals. Whether that’s getting top dollar, a quick close, or flexibility around your next move—we’ll help you choose what works best for your situation.

Ready to Sell with Confidence?

You don’t have to navigate offers, contingencies, or fine print alone. We’ll break it all down, guide your decisions, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

📲 Contact the Pauling Homes Team today—we’ll help you pick the right offer, not just the highest one.