Put every offer on the same worksheet
Record price, deposit, conditions, deadlines, possession, inclusions, credits, repair obligations and any unusual clauses. Work from the signed offer and amendments, not a verbal summary. Ask your representative to explain what differs and your lawyer to interpret unfamiliar obligations.
Separate estimated sale deductions from amounts that change between offers. Mortgage payout, contractual compensation, legal costs, adjustments and other obligations can affect cash available after completion. Ask for current written figures where available and identify estimates clearly.
A worked example: price is not the same as proceeds
| Item | Offer A | Offer B |
|---|---|---|
| Offer price | $700,000 | $693,000 |
| Negotiated buyer credit | −$8,000 | $0 |
| Assumed extra carrying cost | −$3,000 | $0 |
| Subtotal before all other deductions | $689,000 | $693,000 |
Offer B is $4,000 higher on this deliberately limited subtotal, despite the lower headline price. This is not the seller’s net equity: neither column deducts mortgage payout, compensation, legal fees, taxes or closing adjustments. In a real comparison, verify every amount and disclose any credit to the relevant professionals; do not create side agreements to conceal the effective price.
Use the seller net sheet to organize a fuller estimate. Recalculate when the terms change.
Keep closing risk separate from the arithmetic
A higher subtotal does not resolve financing, inspection or other conditions. Record what must happen, who must act and when. A larger deposit or a short deadline does not guarantee completion. Ask your representative what can be verified lawfully and what remains unknown.
Do not invent a probability of closing to make a worksheet look precise. Instead, describe the unresolved event and your fallback. If a transaction fails to complete, the result depends on the agreement, facts and legal remedies; do not assume the deposit is automatically yours to keep.
Price the possession date against your next move
Map the proposed possession against your own purchase, rental arrangement, moving availability and financing. Ask the lender about bridge financing if relevant and obtain terms before relying on it. Include a longer overlap scenario and a temporary-housing scenario where either is plausible.
Be specific about inclusions, removal of belongings, repairs and any requested access before possession. A promise to “fix it” needs a clear written scope and an agreed process. Your lawyer and representative can help determine how to document and verify the obligation.
Make the decision explainable
- Net estimate: list deductions, their sources and the cash still uncertain.
- Conditions: identify each outstanding step and deadline.
- Possession fit: quantify overlap, disruption and financing requirements.
- Contract differences: highlight credits, repairs, inclusions and unusual terms.
- Fallback: decide what you can do if the preferred transaction does not proceed.
Ask for the strongest and weakest part of each offer. Keep the decision tied to your priorities and verified facts, including timing, rather than pressure to select the largest number. Negotiation options and disclosure obligations should be discussed in the context of your actual agreement.
Connect the offer decision to the whole sale
Start with Home-value enquiry for a property-specific pricing conversation and its Calgary selling resource to discuss preparation and marketing. Use the offer comparison guide and closing planner to keep the next steps visible.
Check representation and consumer guidance through RECA Protects and verify the individual’s licence with RECA ProCheck. This affiliated guide does not establish the market value of your property or provide a legal interpretation of an offer.
Take the next step
Bring the property type, area, deadline and unresolved question. Keep confidential financial, identity and contract documents out of a general enquiry.
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