When selling your home, there’s one piece of advice you’ve probably heard more than once: “Don’t take the first offer—it’s never the best one.”
Sounds smart, right? Wait it out, play the game, see what else comes in.
But here’s the truth: that mindset could cost you.
Where This Myth Comes From
The idea that the first offer isn’t the best one often stems from the belief that “something better is just around the corner.” Sellers think they need to create bidding wars, hold out for a higher number, or simply not appear “too eager.”
But here’s what many don’t realize: serious buyers come fast. In a competitive market, the most motivated buyers are watching new listings closely. When a great home hits the market, they act quickly—and their offer is usually strong.
What You’re Risking by Waiting
When you automatically reject the first offer because of outdated advice or ego-driven decision-making, you could risk:
- Losing serious buyers: That first offer might be from someone who is pre-approved, flexible with their timeline, and genuinely in love with your home.
- Days on market creeping up: The longer your home sits, the more buyers wonder why. The listing can start to feel stale—and that can lead to lower offers down the road.
- Appraisal or inspection issues later: Even if you get a “higher” offer later, it may come with strings attached—financing issues, contingencies, or unrealistic demands.
The Power of a Connected Realtor
Here’s another key factor: the strength of your realtor’s network.
A knowledgeable realtor doesn’t just stick a sign in the yard and hope someone calls. We already have qualified, ready-to-go buyers in our pipeline. When your home hits the market, we’re not just hoping someone sees it—we’re personally reaching out to the right buyers first.
So when that first offer comes in, it’s not random. It’s likely coming from a buyer your agent already knew was looking for a home just like yours. We’re not tossing out your listing like a flyer—we’re making direct, intentional moves to connect it with the right match.
That first offer? It’s often from someone who’s been waiting to see a home like yours—and your realtor made that connection happen.
The First Offer Is Often the Best Offer
Experienced real estate agents will tell you: many times, the first offer is not only the best but also the cleanest.
It might not be perfect, but if it checks the boxes—good price, strong financing, flexible terms—it’s worth serious consideration. You can always negotiate. But outright rejecting a solid first offer just because it was first? That’s not strategy—that’s stubbornness.
What You Should Do Instead
Here’s how to approach offers with clarity and confidence:
- Evaluate every offer based on facts, not fear. Consider the buyer’s qualifications, contingencies, and how it aligns with your timeline.
- Talk to your agent about pricing trends. They’ll help you understand if the offer is fair based on market data, not wishful thinking.
- Be prepared to act quickly. In fast-moving markets like El Paso, hesitation can mean missed opportunities.
The idea that “the first offer is never the best” is outdated and risky. Every situation is different—but dismissing an early offer without reviewing its full value could mean walking away from the deal that was meant to be.
When your agent knows the market and knows their buyers, that first offer might not just be good—it might be the one.
Trust the data. Trust your agent. And don’t let an old saying sabotage your sale.
