- The highest price isn't always the best offer. Compare certainty, timing and conditions too.
- You can accept, counter or reject. With multiple offers you can also ask everyone to improve.
- The details of each offer stay confidential. Buyers can be told there are competing offers, but not what they say.
Offers come in, and suddenly you're making a big decision on a weeknight. Here's how to make it calmly.
What's in every offer
- Price
- Deposit: how much, and when it's delivered
- Conditions: financing, inspection, insurance, sale of the buyer's home, and their deadlines
- Possession date
- Inclusions and exclusions
- Any special terms
Compare offers properly
Assumes a collapsed deal means two more months of holding costs and a slightly lower price next time. A way to think, not a rule.
Estimates for planning, not financial advice.
An offer with a slightly lower price and no conditions can be worth more than a higher one that might fall apart in a week.
Offers as received, or an offer date?
As received: you review offers when they arrive. Simple, works well in quieter markets.
Offer date: you set a day and time and review all offers together. It gives buyers time to view and prepare, and often brings stronger offers in busy markets. Some buyers will try a pre-emptive offer before the date; you can choose whether to look at it.
Your options
- Accept an offer as it is.
- Counter with a different price or terms.
- Reject it, or let it expire.
- With several offers: your REALTOR® can ask all buyers to improve, then you choose.
Fairness and confidentiality
Your REALTOR® can tell buyers that other offers exist, but the price and terms of each offer are confidential. Treating every buyer fairly protects you, too.
Offer A is $5,000 higher but conditional on the buyer selling their home. Offer B has a financing condition only. Which is often stronger?
Can a seller's REALTOR® share the price of a competing offer with another buyer?
Want a calm guide on offer night?
- Reply within 24 hours
- Everything in writing, in plain English or Polish
- Winnipeg and all of Manitoba
Questions people ask
Can I accept a backup offer?
Yes, it's possible to accept another offer in a backup position. Your REALTOR® and lawyer will make sure it's written properly.
Do I have to accept a full-price offer?
Your listing agreement and the specific terms matter. Generally you decide which offers to accept. Ask your REALTOR® about your agreement's wording.
This article is general information for Manitoba, not legal, tax, mortgage or financial advice. Rules, rates and programs change; figures are estimates as of October 2026. Check your situation with a lawyer, lender or accountant before you act. Adela Strycharz is a REALTOR® with Real Broker Manitoba Ltd. If you already have an agreement with another brokerage, please speak with your own REALTOR® first.