Getting more than one offer feels like good news, and it usually is. It is also the moment when sellers make fast decisions with large amounts of money on the table. A calm plan, set before offer night, protects your result.
The Kaizen Real Estate Team, known across Markham for careful seller negotiation, walks every client through these choices before the listing goes live. Here is how the process works in Ontario.
Holding Offers vs Taking Offers Any Time
A seller can set an offer date, which asks buyers to wait until a set day and time. This can gather buyers into one evening and create competition. Or a seller can review offers as they arrive.
Holding offers works best when demand is strong and your home is priced to attract many buyers. When buyers have plenty of choice, holding can backfire because buyers move on to homes they can secure now. The right answer depends on current activity in your pocket, which your agent should show you with real numbers.
Pre-Emptive or Bully Offers
A pre-emptive offer, often called a bully offer, arrives before the offer date and asks you to decide quickly. It may be strong. It may also be designed to prevent competition.
Questions to ask before you respond: how does the price compare with recent sales, is the offer firm, how large is the deposit, and how many other buyers have booked showings or asked for disclosures? Your agent must present every offer to you, and the decision is always yours.
Sharing Offer Details Under TRESA
Since TRESA Phase 2 took effect on December 1, 2023, Ontario sellers can direct their brokerage to share details of competing offers, such as price or deposit, with other buyers. Personal or identifying information is never shared.
Some sellers use this to encourage buyers to improve. Others prefer the traditional closed process. It is your choice, and it should be made in writing. Learn more from RECO and TRREB.
PARTNER PERSPECTIVE
Keeping Offer Night Calm
Neeraj Moolchandani prepares sellers for offer night with a simple sheet: the price range recent sales support, the terms that matter most to them, and a walk-away point. Having it on paper keeps emotions in check.
When buyers call with last-minute questions, Neeraj Moolchandani answers them the same way for everyone, so the process stays fair and every buyer has a reason to bring their best offer.
Comparing Offers Beyond Price
| Term | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Price | The headline number, but not the whole story |
| Deposit | A larger deposit signals commitment |
| Conditions | Financing or inspection conditions add risk and time |
| Closing date | Must fit your next move |
| Inclusions | Appliances, fixtures and window coverings |
A slightly lower firm offer with a strong deposit can be safer than a higher conditional one.
Your Response Options
- Accept the offer as written.
- Sign back with changes to price or terms.
- Invite improved offers from all buyers, with a clear deadline.
- Decline and keep marketing.
See the full seller system on the Markham listing agent page, or check your starting point with a free valuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a seller in Ontario tell buyers the price of other offers?
Do I have to accept the highest offer?
Should I accept a bully offer on my Markham home?
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and market conditions change; confirm details with the appropriate professional before acting.