Think the highest offer made on a home always wins? (Spoiler alert—it doesn’t!)

Here are four reasons why a seller might not choose the highest offer:

1️⃣ A buyer brings an all-cash offer. A buyer paying cash means there won’t be any financing pitfalls—and sellers love avoiding pitfalls.


2️⃣ A buyer can close ASAP. If a seller is antsy to get moving, an offer from a buyer who can close quickly will fly to the top of the stack.

3️⃣ A buyer shares their story. Sometimes buyers want sellers to know exactly why their house is “the one.” Sometimes, that’s all it takes for a seller to agree—especially if a seller has lived in the home for decades and their move is a sentimental one.

4️⃣ A buyer doesn’t ask for contingencies. A common contingency is that a buyer must sell his or her home before buying. Sellers love when an offer is free and clear of cumbersome contingencies totally out of their control.