When two buyers make offers on your West Covina home, the highest price is not automatically the best choice. Compare what you are likely to receive, what each buyer needs in order to close, and whether the timing works for your move. A clear side-by-side review beats a quick decision based on the headline number.
Compare the estimated proceeds, not just the offer price
Start with the proposed purchase price, then subtract any seller-paid credits or other costs requested in each offer. Ask your agent for a separate estimated net sheet for every serious offer. The estimates should use the same assumptions for loan payoff, closing costs, and prorations so the comparison is fair.
For example, an $820,000 offer that requests a $20,000 seller credit starts at $800,000 before other selling costs. An $810,000 offer with no credit starts at $810,000. That does not settle the decision, but it shows why the price alone can mislead. For an initial estimate, try the home sale calculator; a transaction-specific net sheet should follow.
Look at how the buyer plans to pay
Review the financing terms, down payment, and evidence that the buyer can perform. A cash offer may remove a loan contingency, but it is not automatically safer or better than a well-prepared financed offer. Ask what documentation supports the offer and what steps remain before closing. Have your agent discuss any questions with the buyer’s representative or lender.
Keep the review focused on the offer and ability to perform, not personal details about the people making it. Apply the same objective criteria to every buyer.
Read every contingency and deadline
Inspection, appraisal, loan, and buyer-home-sale contingencies can affect whether and when a sale closes. The details and dates matter more than a simple count of contingencies. A short deadline may reduce uncertainty, but it must also be realistic enough for the buyer to complete the work.
Ask your agent to explain the exact contract language and what happens if a deadline is missed. The National Association of REALTORS® consumer guide to contingencies is a useful general overview; your actual agreement controls the transaction.
Match the closing and move-out dates to your plans
A buyer offering a convenient closing date can save a seller real stress, especially when the proceeds are needed for another purchase. Check whether the buyer requests early access, a delayed closing, or a period for the seller to remain after closing. If possession after closing is part of the offer, make sure the dates, costs, insurance questions, and responsibilities are addressed in writing with appropriate professional guidance.
Make a simple offer comparison
Put the offers side by side with these fields: purchase price; requested credits; estimated net proceeds; financing and supporting documents; contingencies and their deadlines; proposed closing date; and possession terms. Then ask which uncertainties are still unresolved. The best offer fits your financial and timing goals with terms you understand. It is not necessarily the largest number at the top of the page.
If you are preparing to sell in West Covina, review the local selling guide or call or text Richard Reyes, Broker/Owner of The Richard Reyes Network, at 626-838-6830 to discuss how your offers compare. This article is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice.
