Why Sellers Don’t Always Pick the Highest Offer, and How to Be the Right Offer
If you’ve ever lost a deal to a lower bid or felt confused when your competitive offer didn’t win, this article is for you.
Austin Beverigde
Tennessee
, Goliath Teammate
Not every motivated seller is chasing top dollar. That may sound strange in a market driven by price, but real-world deals prove it: sellers often accept less when it means they get what they really want, speed, certainty, or peace of mind.
If you’ve ever lost a deal to a lower bid or felt confused when your competitive offer didn’t win, this article is for you.
Let’s break down why sellers don’t always choose the highest number, what they actually value more, and how to make your offer the obvious choice, even if it’s lower than market.
Understanding Seller Psychology
Sellers, especially motivated ones, are rarely just thinking about price. They’re thinking about pain. About time. About risk.
When you're dealing with a motivated seller, remember: they’re selling for a reason. That reason is your leverage, not your number.
Here’s what they might be prioritizing instead:
Certainty of close: Many sellers fear the deal falling through. They’ll take less in exchange for confidence it will get done.
Speed of transaction: Inherited property? Pre-foreclosure? Divorce? They want it gone, not maximized.
Simplicity and clarity: Overwhelmed sellers don’t want complex terms. They want someone who makes the next step easy.
Control and flexibility: Maybe they want to rent back after close. Or need to move a relative. A flexible buyer wins points.
What Sellers Are Really Buying
Your offer isn’t just a number. It’s a promise. A solution. A sense of relief.
Your job is to position your offer not as a transaction, but as an outcome.
That outcome should signal:
“This will be simple.”
“This will happen fast.”
“You can stop worrying now.”
When you present your offer, you’re not just pitching a price. You’re pitching peace of mind.
Why High Offers Can Backfire
Plenty of investors throw out big numbers to lock up the contract, and then renegotiate later. Sellers are catching on.
Even if your offer is slightly lower, your honesty and transparency may carry more weight than a flashy number.
High offers can hurt you when:
The seller senses bait-and-switch tactics
They’ve had bad experiences before
You can’t show proof of funds or timeline clarity
Your offer feels “too good to be true”
Sellers aren't just comparing prices. They’re comparing gut feelings. And gut always wins.
How to Become the “Right” Offer
Here’s how to craft and present your offer so it hits all the seller’s true decision points, and not just price.
1. Lead with what they care about
Start your offer presentation with what the seller said matters. If they emphasized moving quickly, lead with the timeline. If they’re worried about repairs, lead with your as-is clause.
Show them that your offer is built around them, not around you.
2. Anchor your price with context
Don’t just state your number. Give it structure. Use comps. Walk through your rehab estimate. Explain what cash buyers like you typically pay in the area.
This builds trust and reduces sticker shock.
3. Offer multiple options
Use the three-offer strategy:
All-cash offer: The lowest price, but the fastest and most certain.
Creative finance: A higher price, but terms that benefit both parties.
Novation or listing referral: A retail path, if they’re not that motivated.
Giving choices makes you feel consultative, not pushy, and still lets you win even if they pass on your cash offer.
Want to master the 3-offer strategy? Check out our full breakdown: [3-offer strategy: How to give sellers options and still win]
Reframing the Seller’s Decision
When a seller says, “Your offer is too low,” they’re usually not doing detailed math. They’re reacting emotionally.
Reframe the decision by highlighting what they gain by accepting your offer, and what they risk by chasing a higher one.
Use simple comparisons like:
“Yes, another offer might be higher, but will they cover closing costs and close this month?”
“That agent might list it for more, but are you ready for 60+ days of showings, cleaning, and inspections?”
“We’re not the highest offer. But we’re the one who’s here today, can close next week, and will make this simple for you.”
Make the emotional benefits feel realer than the financial upside of the other offer.
Examples of Winning Lower Offers
Let’s look at real-world reasons sellers chose a lower offer:
The timeline was faster: A cash buyer closed in 9 days. Another needed 30+ with lender approval.
The terms were simpler: One investor offered a leaseback for 30 days post-close, the higher bidder didn’t.
The communication was better: The seller trusted the buyer who followed up consistently and answered all their questions clearly.
Your price is part of the pitch. But your professionalism often tips the scales.
Scripts to Use When You’re Not the Highest Offer
Use these lines when you're facing seller hesitation due to price:
“Our number might not be the highest, but we’re the most certain. What you’re really getting with us is a guaranteed close, no surprises, no delays.”
“If another buyer offered more, that’s great. Just make sure they’re real. Do they have proof of funds? Can they close this month? Will they ask for repairs?”
“We’re not here to win the bidding war, we’re here to solve your problem. If this isn’t the right fit, no hard feelings, but we’re ready to make this simple for you.”
Be the Safe Bet, Not the Flashy One
Most sellers don’t want the highest bidder. They want the surest one.
When you communicate your value clearly, frame your offer around what matters to the seller, and show professionalism from the first call to the close, you become the obvious and safest choice.
Even if your number’s lower, your approach can win the deal.
