Should I Take the First Offer on My Spokane Home?

Deciding whether or not to take the first offer on your Spokane home is one of the most critical choices you'll face during the home-selling process. Many homeowners are tempted to jump at the first serious bid, but is that always the best decision? As a Spokane real estate agent, I’m writing this blog to help guide you through this decision with insider expertise and local market insight.

Understanding the Psychology Behind the First Offer

• Why the First Offer Often Feels Appealing

  Buyers who submit early offers may be highly motivated and well-prepared, which makes their offer feel safe and promising.

• Emotional vs. Logical Decision-Making

  Selling your home can be emotional, but it’s important to evaluate offers based on facts, not just feelings.

The Pros of Accepting the First Offer

• A Quick Sale

  Taking the first offer can lead to a faster closing process, which is appealing for sellers needing to relocate quickly.

• Market-Ready Pricing

  If your home is priced competitively, the first offer might actually be the best one you’ll get.

The Cons of Accepting the First Offer

• Missed Opportunities for Higher Offers

  There’s always the chance that more offers will come in—possibly even triggering a bidding war.

• Less Negotiating Power

  Accepting the first offer may limit your ability to negotiate terms, especially if you haven’t gauged broader market interest.

When the First Offer Is the Best Offer

• A Hot Buyer’s Market

  If inventory is high and buyer activity is low, the first offer might be the most solid one you’ll receive.

• Well-Qualified Buyer

  A pre-approved buyer with flexible terms can make an early offer very attractive.

When to Wait for a Better Deal

• High Interest and Traffic

  If your home receives a lot of attention right away, it may be worth holding out for better offers.

• Your Realtor Recommends It

  Your Realtor knows about market trends and has likely seen this scenario before. If you aren't already working with an agent, as a Spokane real estate agent, I can provide comparative market analysis to give you a good idea of what your home is worth.

How to Evaluate the First Offer Objectively

• Examine All Terms

  Look beyond price—review contingencies, timelines, and buyer qualifications.

• Consider Market Conditions

  Evaluate current Spokane real estate trends before making your decision.

The Importance of a Strategic Listing Plan

• Proper Pricing Attracts Better Offers

  Homes priced accurately generate more competitive offers.

• Professional Marketing Makes a Difference

  High-quality photos, staging, and MLS exposure bring in serious buyers.

What to Do If You Haven’t Listed Yet

• Don’t Go It Alone

  If your Spokane home isn't listed yet and you aren't working with a Realtor yet, contact me so we can create a strategic plan tailored to your goals.

• Leverage Local Expertise

  I know the Spokane market inside and out and can help you price and position your home for maximum return.

Final Thoughts: Should I Take the First Offer on My Spokane Home?

Every situation is different, but with a knowledgeable Spokane real estate agent on your side, you can feel confident in making the best decision. If you're unsure about accepting your first offer and haven’t yet listed your home—let’s talk about your options and set you up for success.

FAQs

• How quickly should I respond to the first offer on my Spokane home? Responding within 24–48 hours shows you’re a serious seller, while still allowing time for proper evaluation. Make sure to not let the offer go past it's expiration date.

• Can I negotiate the first offer without rejecting it? Absolutely. A counteroffer opens the door for negotiation without completely dismissing the buyer.

• What factors should I prioritize besides price? Terms like closing timeline, contingencies, and buyer financing can be just as important as offer price.

• How do I know if my home is priced correctly? If you are getting no showing requests or showing requests with no offers, you are likely priced too high.

• What if I get multiple offers after accepting the first one? Sellers can't really back out of deals, but they can accept another offer as a backup offer in the event the current offer falls through.

About Me

My name is Nick Briggs

Being born and raised in Spokane I grew up knowing what a special place this city is, and it was my dream to help others create a life in this wonderful community by guiding them in real estate. I spent many years in the customer service industry, the experience of listening and communication showed me how much I truly loved helping people. I attended Gonzaga University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration to add to my knowledge of guiding, managing, negotiating, and listening to individuals, helping them achieve their real estate goals.

Contact Me