Every offer, side by side.
Price is one line. Credits, funding, contingencies and dates are the rest.
Offer B leaves $10,000 more than Offer A after credits.
| Line of the offer | Offer AExample | Offer BExample · Most after credits | Offer CExample |
|---|---|---|---|
| In short | The highest price, financed, with the largest credit request. | Financed, with a smaller credit and a shorter close. | Cash, at a lower price, with a single contingency. |
| Offer price | $1,400,000 | $1,380,000 | $1,350,000 |
| Seller credit | $35,000 | $5,000 | None |
| Price less credit | $1,365,000 | $1,375,000 | $1,350,000 |
| Funding | Loan | Loan | Cash |
| Contingencies | Inspection, Appraisal, Loan | Inspection, Loan | Inspection |
| Closing | 30 days after acceptance | 21 days after acceptance | 14 days after acceptance |
Example offers in round numbers, not from a real sale. Price less credit is not your proceeds: fees, escrow, title, taxes and loan payoffs still come out.
Before you respond
An organizing list for the conversation. The purchase agreement itself sets each side's rights, deadlines and obligations.
Collect the complete offer
Signed pages, referenced addenda, supporting documents and the response deadline, all in one place.
Compare what each would leave you
Account for credits and seller-paid costs once, on the same assumptions for every offer.
Write down the contingencies
Each condition, its date, and any wording that needs a professional to explain.
Check the move-out plan
Separate closing from possession, and get any post-closing occupancy arrangement reviewed.
List the open questions
Note what's missing and decide who will get it before the response is due.
Confirm the exact response
Accept, counter or decline in writing, and keep the final version straight before you sign.
Read every line of an offer
What each line tells you, and what to check before you respond. General information about common offer terms, not legal advice: your purchase agreement governs.
The headline number the buyer proposes. Compare it after credits and seller-paid costs, never on its own.
Money you agree to give back to the buyer at closing. Check the amount, what it is for, and whether the buyer's loan allows it.
Good-faith money the buyer puts into escrow. Check the amount and when it is due; it is generally credited toward the price.
Cash, or a loan and how much the buyer is putting down. Check the pre-approval or proof of funds behind it.
Whether the price depends on a lender's valuation. Check what the offer says happens if the appraisal comes in low.
The buyer's right to inspect and respond before going ahead. Check the written deadline, and what the buyer can ask for.
The buyer's way out if the loan does not come through. Check its deadline, and when the buyer removes it.
This purchase depends on another sale closing first. Check whether that home is listed, already in escrow, or not yet on the market.
When the offer expires if you do not answer. Check the exact date and time, so your questions come before it.
When ownership transfers. Check what starts the count, and whether it fits your move.
When you hand over the keys. Check whether it is at closing or later, and put any rent-back in writing.
Every line of an offer, in more depth.Read the full guide
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What sellers ask when the first offers arrive — answered straight.
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