The visual guide / 01
Compare the money you would keep
Run the same calculation for each offer.
Start with the money you would keep
Ask your agent to prepare an estimated proceeds comparison for each offer. Include selling costs, legal expenses and adjustments, and obtain mortgage payout and prepayment information from the lender. Use consistent assumptions so the differences are visible.
A larger deposit is worth understanding, but it does not guarantee the transaction will close or that you can retain it if there is a dispute. Ask about the agreement and get legal advice where necessary.
Give the possession date a dollar value
Use quotes for your own move and accommodation. If either date is uncertain, ask what your fallback would cost and whether an amendment is practical.
Worked example
The higher offer can leave less after a timing change
Understand what must happen before the purchase is firm
Read what must happen before each purchase becomes firm. Ask your agent what the terms require and what is actually known about the buyer's position. A reassuring description of the buyer is not a substitute for understanding the conditions and the limits of the information available.
Put requested repairs, included items, deposit arrangements and possession beside the proceeds estimate. A date that triggers another move or a repair obligation you have not priced changes the comparison. A larger deposit does not remove every completion or legal risk.
Get legal advice on unusual terms and questions about your obligations. Then ask what follows if you accept, counter or decline, including response deadlines and the handling of further enquiries.
Choose with a backup plan
Ask what happens next if you accept, counter or decline. Know when responses are due and who can authorize changes. Once you accept, keep the dates visible and discuss how other enquiries or backup offers will be handled lawfully.
- Estimated proceeds after the same costs.
- Conditions and what is still uncertain.
- Possession and your moving costs.
- Included items and any extra obligations.
- A workable plan if timing changes.
Ask which expenses change between offers and which would be payable under either one. Subtracting all selling expenses from one offer but only timing costs from another makes the comparison misleading.