I do not advise my seller clients to take offers on their home period, if the buyer hasn't personally seen the house.
In a competitive market, it is tempting for buyers to submit an offer on it, especially if they live out of town and want to move here. It is tempting for some sellers to see a high number-but it is my job just just to get you a high contract price, but to bring you to the closing.
As soon as they decide to sign the offer, & the seller takes it, the minute the buyer steps foot in the door for building inspections, reality might them like the layout feels tight, the street is louder than thought, it's further back front the road or shopping than I want, and they walk. Forget even considering negotiating 'buyer's preview contingency', which would allow them to see the house before any inspection and walk away because they don't like the feeling of the house once they tour. Even if they want the house, they may try to use the inspection period to tie up the property from other buyers and use the report to try to get money off the price.
In the meantime, the buyers that might have had offers or showings in, might have moved on or question what happened what I have to put the house 'back on market'. You lose time & market leverage.
Highest price doesn’t mean best terms. If a buyer hasn’t walked through the front door, they haven’t bought the house yet. This is exactly why I advises sellers against taking sight-unseen offers. We want a committed buyer, not a gambler trying to tie up a property from their phone.
Jonathan D. Hall
CT Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
RES. 0783448
William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty, 67 Federal Road Brookfield CT
C) 203-417-0523
O)203-796-7700
Jhall@Wpsir.Com
Post last updated 6/24/2026
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