How to Choose Between Multiple Offers on Your Pierce County Property

Selling your home is exciting. Getting multiple offers? Even better. But it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure how to choose the right one.

In Pierce County’s competitive real estate market, it’s pretty common to get several offers. While it’s a great position to be in, picking the right buyer takes more than just looking at who’s offering the most money.

Here’s how to break it down.

Start with the Big Picture

Before you dig into the details of each offer, it helps to understand what the market is doing.

• In a seller’s market (more buyers than homes), you might see offers above asking price.
• In a balanced or buyer’s market, price isn’t the only thing that matters — you’ll need to weigh other terms too.

Knowing where things stand will help you set the right expectations.

Key Things to Look At

1. Offer Price
   It’s easy to get excited about the highest number, but the best offer isn’t always the biggest one. Sometimes a slightly lower offer with cleaner terms (fewer conditions) is the smarter choice.
2. Deposit (Earnest Money)
   A strong deposit shows the buyer is serious. A bigger deposit usually means less risk they’ll walk away.
3. Financing Terms
   Cash is king — no financing means fewer hurdles. But if the buyer is getting a loan, having a pre-approval letter in hand makes a big difference.
4. Inspection Terms
   Most buyers want a home inspection, and that’s normal. But an offer that waives inspection or shortens the inspection timeline can make the deal smoother for you.
5. Closing Timeline
   Timing matters. If you need more time to move, a flexible buyer could be the better fit — even if their price isn’t the highest.
6. Buyer’s Motivation
   It’s good to know who’s behind the offer. A buyer planning to live in your home might be more committed than an investor looking for a quick flip.

Tips for Handling Multiple Offers

Ask for Best and Final Offers
If you’ve got strong interest, you can ask everyone to submit their highest and best offer. It might drive up the price or clean up terms.

Watch the Contingencies
Fewer conditions usually mean a faster, safer closing. Look closely at the fine print before deciding.

Weigh Financial Strength
Cash buyers or those fully pre-approved are generally safer bets than those still sorting out financing.

Lean on Your Real Estate Agent
This is where having a good agent really matters. Someone who knows the Pierce County market (like Don and Susie) can help you weigh all the factors and avoid common pitfalls.

After You Accept an Offer

Here’s what happens next:

1. Sign the Agreement – Your agent will walk you through everything.
2. Meet Any Conditions – Take care of anything you agreed to (repairs, inspections, etc.).
3. Prepare for Closing – Work with your agent and your attorney to get everything wrapped up.

Bottom Line

Getting multiple offers is a great position to be in, but it’s important to look beyond the numbers. Choosing the right offer means thinking about price, risk, timing, and how confident you are in the buyer.

And if you ever feel stuck, don’t worry — we’re here to help.

Contact Don and Susie Karstedt Today
At Rethinking Real Estate, we know Pierce County and Western Washington inside and out. Whether you’re ready to sell or just starting to think about it, we’ll help you make smart, confident decisions every step of the way.

Reach out today. We’re ready when you are.

Prefer a different format?
You can also:

• 🎧 [Listen to the podcast]

• 📺 [Watch on Youtube]

• 📨 [Subscribe to the newsletter]