How to Pick the Best Home Offer: Tips for Canadian Sellers
August 26, 2025
Selling a home feels like a big win, but when the home offers come in, that’s when the real decisions start. It’s easy to grab the highest number and call it done, but that move can backfire. Price isn’t the only thing that matters. Let’s go through what really counts before you accept an offer.
Why Reviewing Offers Is More Complicated Than It Looks
When you put your home on the market in Canada, you hope for reasonable offers. But here’s the thing—not every offer is firm, even if it looks impressive on paper. There’s a lot happening in the housing market right now. Some regions are moving fast, while others are still balanced. If you’re in a seller’s market, you might get several offers at once. In other areas, you may have to work harder for a deal.
This is why knowing what to look for in an offer matters. It’s not just about the money. Timing, conditions, and the buyer’s situation all play a role in whether the deal closes smoothly—or doesn’t close at all.
It’s More Than Just Price
The first thing anyone looks at is the price, and yes, that’s important. But if that’s the only thing you care about, you could regret it later. A higher price isn’t worth much if the offer is full of conditions or the buyer isn’t financially ready. Evaluate your home before selling to price it right and attract serious buyers.
Sometimes taking a little less can actually be smarter. An offer without conditions often carries less risk, especially in Canada, where strict lending rules mean financing can collapse at the last minute.
Key Factors to Check in Every Offer
Factor | Why It Matters |
Price | The obvious one—but only part of the story. |
Deposit | Shows how serious the buyer is and protects you if they back out. |
Conditions | More conditions mean more risk that the deal could collapse. |
Closing Date | Has to fit your schedule and plans. |
Financing | Pre-approval is a big plus—reduces uncertainty. |
Inclusions | Appliances or extras can sweeten a deal. |
Price – Not Always the Dealbreaker
Of course, the offer price matters. But don’t let it blind you. If an offer is way above asking, it might look amazing. Still, ask why. Does the buyer need mortgage approval? Are they adding conditions that make it easy to walk away?
In many cases, the best offer is not the highest one—it’s the one most likely to close without issues.
Deposit – A Good Indicator of Commitment
The deposit is your security blanket. A buyer putting down a substantial deposit is serious. If they walk away without a valid reason, you keep the deposit. Most Canadian buyers offer between 5% and 10% of the purchase price, but higher is better. If you’re choosing between two similar offers, look at the deposit first.
Conditions – These Can Make or Break the Deal
Conditions are clauses buyers add to protect themselves. The more conditions, the more chances the deal can fall apart. Common ones are:
Financing approval – Buyer needs lender approval.
Home inspection – Buyer wants the home inspected first.
Sale of their current home – The buyer must sell their own property before closing.
If you want a smooth, fast sale, fewer conditions are always better. A condition-free offer is ideal, but it is only common when buyers have cash or strong financing.
Closing Date – It’s Not Just a Detail
Closing dates don’t get much attention, but they should. If you’ve already bought another place, the dates need to line up. Too early and you’ll be scrambling to move out. It is too late, and you could end up paying two mortgages for a while.
Sometimes, a flexible buyer is worth more than an extra few thousand dollars on the price.
Financing – Always Check
Is the buyer pre-approved? If not, that’s a risk. Deals often fall apart because financing doesn’t go through. Pre-approval doesn’t guarantee anything, but it’s a strong sign the buyer is serious and can get the loan.
The First Offer – Take It or Wait?
Sellers often wonder: Should I accept the first offer? The answer depends on the market. In a hot seller’s market with low inventory, waiting might bring a bidding war. In a balanced market, the first offer could be the best you’ll get.
Talk to your agent. Look at local trends. If similar homes are selling fast, you have leverage. If they’re sitting for weeks, don’t wait too long.
Negotiation – Price Isn’t the Only Thing on the Table
You can negotiate more than just price. You can ask for:
A quicker or later closing date.
Fewer conditions.
The home sold “as is.”
Sometimes, these things are more valuable than an extra $5,000 on the offer.
Red Flags That Should Make You Pause
Tiny deposit – Could mean the buyer isn’t committed.
Lots of conditions – More chances for the deal to fall through.
No financing pre-approval – Big risk.
Unrealistic timelines – Too short or too long can cause issues.
Bottom Line for Sellers
Going for the biggest number isn’t always the smart move. What really matters is whether that offer can actually close when it’s supposed to—and without giving you headaches later. Your agent will usually catch the small things you might skip over, like the deposit amount, conditions, or the closing timeline. Those details can matter more than an extra ten grand on paper, especially now when stability in the Canadian market counts for a lot.
FAQs
1. What should sellers look for in an offer?
More than price—check conditions, deposit, and timeline.
2. Is the highest offer always best?
Not always. A firm, realistic offer can be safer.
3. Why do conditions matter so much?
They decide if the deal actually closes.
4. How necessary is the deposit?
A bigger deposit shows the buyer is serious.
5. Should I accept a no-condition offer?
It can reduce risk, but confirm the buyer’s financial strength first.
