Admin

FAQ for Olympia WA Sellers - Is the First Offer the Best Offer?

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA

 

The Olympia WA (in Thurston County) January 2020 real estate marketplace is deep in a seller’s market.  With the low inventory and fewer choices for buyers, many sellers are seeing multiple offers and are receiving offers within hours of listing.  Most offers are over the asking price when buyers are bidding on a property. 

 

 

 

But is the first offer the best offer?*

 

 

 

There is certainly a lot of anecdotal information out there but we, at my firm, have tracked this in Thurston County so we can provide the facts to our clients.

 

 

 

For January 2020, sellers on average accepted the highest priced offer on Day Five.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is frustrating for buyers and their agents to see listings come onto the market and go pending within 24 hours or less.  As an experienced REALTOR®, I often wonder if the seller, in that short of time on the market, was able to get enough exposure in the market to really get the best offer for them.

 

 

 

My advice for my Olympia WA sellers is to give it at least a few days before accepting an offer.  This strategy may not be the best for all sellers but this is why the agent representing you should be listening to your needs and strategizing a successful, customized plan for you. 

 

 

 

If you’d like more information about how you can get the most this market can give, I invite you to reach out to me anytime.     

 

 

 

*The "best” offer isn’t necessarily the highest offer as other terms can affect the seller’s decision.  Deciphering which offer is best for a particular seller takes the know-how of an experienced REALTOR®. Call me today!

 

Statistics compiled by Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty from NWMLS data. Statistics not published or compiled by NWMLS.

Posted by

 

Francine Viola, Realtor
In Tune with your Real Estate Needs

 

Serving Buyers and Sellers in Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey and Thurston County, WA

Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Inc.  |  Olympia, WA

 

Cell:      (360) 359-0689

Email:  Francine.Viola@cbolympia.com

Web:     www.FrancineViola.com

 

       

 

Comments(4)

Show All Comments Sort:
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Francine - you address an issue that is often discussed especially in a market that is quick moving.  Each situation is different and having statistical as well as historical information are good tools to have when making such an important decision.  It should be the seller's decision when offers will be reviewed.  

Feb 08, 2020 04:43 AM
Francine Viola

Hi Michael Jacobs - yes, each situation is different and I agree, it's always the seller's decision.

Feb 08, 2020 10:14 AM
Barbara Todaro
Retired...Mentoring Newbies - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Francine Viola agents continue to say that statistically, first offers are the best.... not always so.... but for a listing agent who has created an urgency for buyers to see a property, it's a good thought!!  and hopefully the seller accepts that highest and best offer....

Feb 08, 2020 05:01 AM
Francine Viola

Hi Barbara Todaro - back in the day, I remember saying that the first offer was usually the best but as always, the market changes and our counseling needs to change. :-)

Feb 08, 2020 10:16 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hi Francine... that's a really interesting statistic... I often tell my clients that the first offer they get might not be the highest offer but it's typically the "best" offer in terms of a committed buyer... and we can always negotiate for a bit of a higher price.

Feb 08, 2020 05:52 AM
Francine Viola

Hi Nina Hollander - it can be challenging to vet out an offer or multiple offers to determine the best terms in the end.  This is why sellers should hire experienced agents like ourselves as we are pretty good at this!

Feb 08, 2020 10:18 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

It is so difficult to make a decision sometimes when it's a multiple offer situation. I dreamed of having just that and when it happened I was brought to tears over the decision process. Luckily I had an experienced agent helping me to make the smart decision instead of the emotional one.

Feb 11, 2020 07:28 AM
Francine Viola

Hi Sharon Tara - multiple offers can be a curse in disguise! :-)  

Feb 11, 2020 10:53 AM