(It’s usually your best shot—don’t let it slip away)

This one is tough for a lot of sellers to accept—but it holds true far more often than not:

Your first offer is usually your best offer.

Now, we’re not talking about a lowball from an investor fishing for a deal—that’s a different story. But when a serious buyer comes in early with a decent offer, you need to pay close attention.

Why? Because when your home first hits the market, it’s fresh—and buyers are watching. There are always buyers in the market at any given time, and the minute your home goes live, it shows up in their alerts. They’ve probably already toured other homes and are ready to move quickly when the right one pops up. If your house fits, they’ll jump.

That’s when you’re likely to get the strongest offer—because it’s new, exciting, and hasn’t been sitting around.

But what happens if you pass on that first offer?

Time works against you in real estate. The longer your home is on the market, the more buyers wonder, “What’s wrong with it?” You may end up chasing the market down with price reductions, lower offers, and weaker buyers.

And here’s a little psychological trap:
Some sellers think that getting an offer quickly means they “gave it away.” But in reality, you probably just priced it right—and it hit the radar of a buyer who’s already been hunting for weeks.

House Karma Tip:

When that first solid offer comes in, take it seriously. Don’t dismiss it just because it came fast. Look at the numbers, talk strategy with your agent, and remember:
Waiting for “something better” often leads to something worse.