In real estate, few moments test a seller’s emotions more than contract negotiations. Offers feel personal. Requests can feel unreasonable. And it’s easy to believe that something better is just around the corner.
But time and again, my recent experiences with sellers have reinforced a timeless principle: a bird in hand is better than two in the bush.
Let me explain what that looks like in today’s market.
The Temptation to Chase the “Perfect” Offer
Recently, I worked with a seller whose home was listed as Coming Soon. Before it even hit the market, we received strong early interest and a solid offer. It was clean, qualified, and serious.
However, the seller believed that once the home officially went live, a much higher price would materialize. They wanted significantly over asking just to move forward with a pre-market contract.
Here’s the challenge with that mindset:
● There is no guarantee of better offers
● Buyer enthusiasm can cool quickly
● Early, motivated buyers often submit their strongest terms first
In this case, the “two in the bush” were hypothetical future buyers. The bird in hand was a real, motivated buyer ready to perform. While waiting can pay off sometimes, it can also lead to missed opportunities and longer days on market.
The best negotiation strategy isn’t always pushing harder—it’s recognizing value when it’s right in front of you.
Inspection Requests Aren’t Personal—They’re Part of the Process
Another recent experience highlighted this lesson even more clearly.
After going under contract, the seller was understandably frustrated by the inspection repair requests. The initial reaction?
“Let’s just cancel the contract.”
At first glance, the buyer’s request looked overwhelming: $31,000 in repair credits. That number can stop anyone in their tracks.
Instead of reacting emotionally, we slowed the process down:
● Reviewed what was legitimate vs. cosmetic
● Prioritized safety and structural items
● Opened calm, solution-focused communication
The result?
The $31,000 request was negotiated down to $3,000.
That didn’t happen by walking away. It happened by staying composed, strategic, and open to dialogue.
Why Walking Away Often Costs More
When sellers walk away from a good contract:
● The next buyer will likely request similar repairs
● Time on market increases
● Buyers may wonder what went wrong
● Momentum—and sometimes leverage—is lost
A contract in hand gives you control. It’s far easier to negotiate from an active agreement than to start over with uncertainty.
The Real Role of a Seller’s Agent
My job isn’t just to get you the highest number on paper—it’s to help you:
● Weigh risk vs. reward
● Separate emotion from strategy
● Protect your bottom line, not just your pride
Negotiation isn’t about winning every point. It’s about reaching a result that actually closes.
Final Thoughts for Sellers
The market will always whisper, “What if something better comes along?” Sometimes it does.
Often, it doesn’t.
The sellers who achieve the smoothest, most profitable outcomes are the ones who:
● Recognize strong opportunities early
● Stay calm during inspections
● Trust the process—and the professional guiding them through it
Because in real estate, as in life, a bird in hand is often worth far more than two in the bush.
Ready to Sell With Confidence?
Every market shift, offer, and inspection comes with choices that can either protect—or cost—you tens of thousands of dollars. The difference isn’t luck. It’s strategy, experience, and knowing when to hold firm and when to move forward.
If you’re thinking about selling and want guidance that’s calm, clear, and rooted in real negotiation experience—not guesswork—let’s talk before emotions or uncertainty make the decisions for you.
Reach Out Today For a Private Seller Consultation
We’ll walk through your goals, your timing, and the smartest path to get you to the closing table with confidence.
Because the right bird, in the right hand, at the right time… is how successful sales happen.
