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Holding Out For A Higher Price When Selling A Virginia Beach Home

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Allegiance

There is a saying in real estate that the first offer is the best offer. I can't say this is true 100% of the time, but it is certainly true the majority of the time.

Many times, sellers will ask if they should hold out for a better offer if the offer comes after only a few days on the market and  most of the time I would say, NO.

The best market time is the first 30 days. This is when the pool of buyers looking for homes will see it and the real estate community is the most excited about it. If the house is priced right and in good marketable condition, there should be an offer during this time.

In a strong seller's market, you might want to wait a couple of days after the listing hits the MLS before negotiating offers. But, in the current buyer's market, it is a gamble to turn down a well-qualified buyer in the hopes of something better coming along. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, as they say.

More than once, I have seen a seller turn down a well-qualified buyer waiting for a better one to come along, only to accept a lower sales price further down the road.

My best advice is to work with an agent who is a strong, experienced negotiator and can get you the best possible deal.