How do I compare different offers?

How do I compare different offers?

Which offer wins? Compare different offers and pick the best deal fast.

Quick answer (featured-snippet ready):

1. Calculate net proceeds for each offer (price minus fees and commissions).
2. Score certainty: financing, deposit size, pre-approval, and inspection terms.
3. Weight timing: closing date, occupancy, and contingency windows.
4. Adjust for concessions: seller credits, repairs, and appraisal gap coverage.
5. Rank offers by net value + certainty + timing. Accept the highest weighted score.

Why this works

Buyers can have identical dollar amounts but very different risk and cost. You win by measuring every offer on the same scale: money, certainty, and timing. That scale makes negotiations simple and powerful.

Step-by-step action plan

• Calculate net proceeds (exact):

• Offer price

• Minus agent commissions, legal fees, closing costs

• Minus expected repair/relist cost if buyer asks for credits

• Plus or minus seller credits or concessions

• Result = Net to you at closing

• Evaluate certainty (scale 1–10):

• Is there a mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds? +2 if pre-approved, +3 if cash

• How big is the deposit? Larger deposit = higher certainty

• Any financing, inspection, or sale-of-home contingencies? Deduct points for contingencies

• Shorter financing/inspection windows are better

• Check timing and logistics:

• Does the closing date match your move-out or reinvestment timeline?

• Are there rent-back or occupancy demands? Price those into your net proceeds

• Read every clause (don’t guess):

• Escalation clauses can boost price but can create appraisal headaches

• Subject-to-financing language can kill deals later — prefer firm language

• Inspection/repair limits protect you; demand clarity on who pays and when

Negotiation moves that get more money and certainty

• Convert uncertainty into cash: ask for a higher price in return for waiving a contingency or shortening a timeline.
• Trade flexibility: if buyer wants a late closing or rent-back, charge a daily occupancy fee or reduce the net price.
• Use competing offers as leverage: require highest and best offers with proof of funds.

Simple scoring example (use a spreadsheet):

• Offer A: Price = $800k, net after costs = $760k, certainty score = 8, timing score = 7. Weighted score = 760k + (82k) + (71k) = $783k equivalent.
• Offer B: Price = $810k, net after costs = $770k, certainty score = 5, timing score = 4. Weighted score = 770k + (52k) + (41k) = $784k equivalent.

Use weighted scores to pick the best real-world outcome, not just the highest headline number.

Final word

Comparing offers is math + judgement. Make money the baseline, then add certainty and timing as cash equivalents. If you want a clear, documented comparison or to run a competitive bidding strategy, contact me and I’ll build the exact spreadsheet and negotiation plan for your property.

Tony Sousa — Local Realtor
Email: tony@sousasells.ca | Phone: 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca