Highest and Best - Does anyone win?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Ad Maker Tool & Real Estate Auction Systems

This past week I submitted written offers for 2 different buyers on REO properties and was told by the listing agents that they received multiple offers.  They then asked for my buyers "highest and best".

When this happens, my buyers always ask if I think there are truly multiple offers or just a game the banks are playing.  I sincerely believe the listing agents are being honest, but it's hard for buyers not to be skeptical.

I advise my buyers to submit what they are willing to pay, and not get emotionally attached.  It's a numbers game for them anyway.

When my buyers get their offer accepted in the "highest and best" situation, they all want to know what the other bids were and I don't blame them.

When I started in real estate I was investor and the "highest and best" situation is why I became interested in auctions.  I much prefer to be in an open competitive situation where everyone can see the other bids.

I know my buyers would ALL prefer the auction format for these situations and I believe it would also help the banks get the best price.

Things are heading that way, it's just a matter of time.

Comments (4)

Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Tom, I always tell my clients in a situation like this. If they go to sleep and gave their best number and next day they wake up and missed out on the property they should not feel bad because they gave their best number....some listen others do not....

Feb 06, 2012 01:37 PM
Pam Dent
Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc. - Charlottesville, VA
REALTORĀ® - Charlottesville Virginia Homes / Horse

The last 3 foreclosures that I was involved in were all multiple offers and the last two regular sales came in with multiiple offers as well.  Our market is heating up.

Feb 06, 2012 01:42 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

You have to be comfortable with the $ as the end result. If you get it you should feel pleased, but if not you should still feel you did your best and are OK walking away. The "highest and best" is not always the highest $. And I don't think the best offer is always the highest number.

Feb 06, 2012 01:47 PM
Florida Tolbert Team Keller Williams Advantage
Keller Williams Advantage III Realty in Lake Nona - Orlando, FL
Keller Williams Land Luxury Division Specialist

Our market is COMPLETELY ENGULFED in flames in Port St Lucie.  We had a $69,000 property this week that was FAIRLY priced for the market.

My investor offered $75,000 up front but it still went to highest and best.

They went to $78,000 a respectable 15% increase over asking.

It sold for $88,000 or over 30% over asking and over fair market value after 9 bidders.

Yes folks we are SERIOUSLY back.

Feb 06, 2012 01:50 PM

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