Multiple offers are common on well-priced East Bay listings. The highest price is not always the best package - evaluate terms and certainty too.
Price
Headline number and net after credits
Terms
Contingencies, rent-back, close date
Certainty
Financing strength and buyer readiness
Set an Offer Review Date in Advance
Before listing, decide when you will review offers. A common East Bay pattern:
- List mid-week or Thursday/Friday
- Hold weekend opens
- Review offers early the following week
That creates a clear deadline, batches offers for comparison, and reduces the urge to accept a weak early bid out of impatience.
How to Evaluate Each Offer
| Factor | What to look for | Red flags |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Highest net after credits and concessions | High price with fragile financing |
| Down payment | Strong equity or cash | Very thin down on a high-price home |
| Contingencies | Fewer weak outs; clear timelines | Sale contingency on an unlisted home |
| Close date | Matches your move | Unrealistic speed with weak lender capacity |
| Lender letter | Strong pre-approval or underwriting approval | Vague letter, no proof of funds when needed |
| Earnest money | Meaningful deposit (often 3%+ here) | Token deposit with no explanation |
Calling for Highest and Best
If offers are close, you can invite a highest-and-best round with a hard deadline. Use it sparingly - buyers will stretch once. Your agent should say whether the spread warrants it or one offer is already clearly better.
Countering Multiple Offers
California practice allows multiple counter offers (MCOs) so you can negotiate with more than one buyer at a time. Nothing is binding until both sides sign a final acceptance. Track which version is live so you do not create accidental dual acceptances.
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