In our previous post, “More Than List Price: What Actually Makes a Sale Successful,” we explored why seller success goes far beyond the number printed at the top of an offer.
So what should sellers prioritize instead?
Certainty.
Why the Highest Offer Isn’t Always the Best Offer
In today’s Spokane and Tri-Cities real estate market, high offers often come with hidden risk.
They may include:
- Aggressive financing assumptions
- Long or unstable contingencies
- Appraisal exposure
- Buyer hesitation once emotions cool
A strong price means very little if the deal can’t survive inspections, underwriting, or appraisal.
The Real Cost of a Failed Contract
When a contract falls apart, sellers don’t just lose time — they lose leverage.
A failed sale can result in:
- Lost market momentum
- Increased buyer skepticism on relist
- Price reductions to re-attract interest
- Delayed life plans tied to the sale
Certainty doesn’t just protect your price — it protects your timeline, your peace of mind, and your next move.
The RealVantage Offer Evaluation Approach
At RealVantage, we help sellers look beyond the headline number and assess what truly matters.
Every offer is evaluated for:
- Buyer financial strength
- Clarity and cleanliness of contract terms
- Appraisal and inspection risk
- Alignment with the seller’s personal goals
Sometimes the second-highest offer delivers the best outcome — because it actually closes.
Alma Nelson is known for guiding sellers toward confident, low-stress closings by prioritizing certainty and timing over risky price chasing.
In one recent transaction, Alma helped her sellers accept an offer that delivered exactly what they needed: a super clean contract and an early closing — perfectly timed so they could settle in their new home before Christmas.
The process was smooth from start to finish, easing nerves and answering questions along the way. What could have been a stressful season became a calm, successful transition into a new chapter.
That’s the power of choosing the right offer — not just the highest one.
Bottom Line
The strongest offer isn’t the one that looks best on paper.
It’s the one that:
- Closes on time
- Aligns with your life plans
- Minimizes stress and uncertainty
Certainty beats chasing the highest number — every time.