How to Evaluate Offers When Selling Your Home in Florida

by Tomell Johnson

When you list your home, the ultimate goal is clear: get it sold, and sold well. But once the offers start coming in, that’s where the real decision-making begins. Not all offers are created equal—and the highest number isn’t always the best choice.

Here’s how I walk sellers through the offer evaluation process, and what to keep in mind so you can make a smart, informed decision.

Don’t Dismiss That First Offer

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Your first offer is often your best offer.” And in many cases, it holds true.

But that doesn’t mean you have to accept it as written. What it does mean is this: your first offer is often a signal from the market. If a buyer is ready to move quickly, that momentum is worth leaning into.

My advice? Counter strategically—even if the number isn’t what you hoped for. Give the negotiation room to breathe and let the process run its course. You can always say no later, but once momentum is lost, it’s hard to get back.

Focus on What You Know—Not What You Hope

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make? Assuming things about the buyer that were never actually stated.

For example:

“They’ll probably come up if we wait.”
“They must be really motivated—they’ll work with us.”
“They can afford more—I just know it.”

But unless it’s written into the offer or stated directly by the buyer’s agent, it’s just speculation.

Instead, I encourage sellers to evaluate the offer on its actual merits:

Price
Financing type and down payment
Closing timeline
Contingencies
Buyer’s ability to perform

Let’s work with the facts—not the maybes.

Read the Room: What Is the Market Telling You?

Offers don’t exist in a vacuum—they reflect what the market is saying about your home right now.

Ask yourself:

How many showings have you had?
How long have you been on the market?
Are you getting multiple offers—or is this the only one?

If you’ve had consistent activity and strong feedback, you might have room to push a little. But if showing traffic is light and this is your only offer, it’s often wiser to lean into negotiation rather than chase an ideal number that the market isn’t supporting.

Final Thought: Strategy Over Emotion

It’s easy to get caught up in the number or second-guess what a buyer “might” do. But the strongest sellers are the ones who stay grounded, ask the right questions, and focus on what’s real.

My job is to guide you through those moments with clarity, strategy, and a read on what the market is actually telling us—so you’re never guessing, and always in control.