How Long Can a Seller Wait Before Responding to an Offer?

How Long Can a Seller Wait Before Responding to an Offer

Let’s say you fall in love with a home and rush to the real estate office to make an offer.

And then you wait.

And wait.

It can be pretty frustrating – and it might make you want to pick up the phone and call the seller to see what’s up.

So just how long can the seller make you wait before responding?

Here’s what you need to know.

How Long Can a Seller Wait Before Responding to an Offer?

There isn’t an official rule on how long a seller has to respond to a real estate offer. Technically, the seller could mull over your offer for months if he or she wanted to.

Fortunately, there is (kind-of) an industry standard that most people stick to.

Usually, sellers get back to buyers within a few days. A 24 to 48 hour time frame is acceptable. If you’ve made an offer and haven’t heard anything after two days, it’s a good idea to talk to your real estate agent. He’ll most likely call the seller’s agent to ask.

Why Do Some Sellers Wait a While?

Sometimes sellers take longer than you anticipate, and that can happen for various reasons. For example, if a seller is considering multiple offers, it can be a tough decision – and one that requires a lot more consideration.

But sometimes, sellers don’t respond very quickly because they feel an offer is too low. In cases like these, the seller might not respond at all. (This is a great opportunity to talk to your real estate agent about your offer, too. If you really love the home, you might want to consider raising it.)

Are You Buying a Home or Land for Sale in Lake City?

If you’re moving to Lake City, we can help you find the perfect place to live. Call us at 386-243-0124 to tell us what you want from your home and we will begin searching right away.

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