How to handle multiple offers in a stabilizing Central Florida market
So you've received multiple offers on your home. Here are some strategies for sellers in West Orlando, Clermont, Winter Garden, and Windermere — especially as 2026 brings more balanced conditions.
SELLING A HOME
Eric Stalnaker
10/23/20252 min read
Multiple offers used to feel like a trophy — a sign you crushed the competition. In today’s (late-2025) Central Florida market, they’re less common but still very real — if you price smart and market well.
Why multiple offers still show up:
Good homes are still good homes: Properties in desirable areas (Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont) with strong condition and staging get attention.
Educated buyers: Relocators and seasoned investors know that “balanced market” doesn’t mean “soft market” everywhere.
How to set things up for that scenario:
Set a deadline for offers: Create a structured window so you can compare multiple bids rather than responding in chaos.
Specify terms carefully: Ask buyers for their “preferred offer” — not just price, but inspection timing, concessions, and closing.
Use escalation clauses: If you want to push, an escalation clause can automatically increase the best offer up to a cap while protecting you from overpaying.
Lean into your agent: I’ll run a “net-to-you” analysis that factors all terms so you don’t just pick the highest number—you pick the deal.
2026 nuance:
As we move into early 2026, inventory may stabilize, giving serious buyers more options. That means offers may not be as frenzied, but the right buyer will still pay up or agree to favorable terms — especially for well-priced, well-staged homes.
Bottom line:
You don’t need a bidding war to win, but you should be ready for one — and know how to handle it without getting greedy or careless. With the right offer structure, you can maximize value and avoid falling into regret. A perfect example of this happened to me this past June, back when the market was at its worst. My sellers priced a home correctly and within 5 days we had multiple offers and was under contract $11,000 above the list price. It won't always happen that way, but the price on the right home can make it fun, for sure.
If you think your home might draw multiple offers, let’s plan for it: I’ll run a multiple-offer strategy session and set you up to choose the winner — not just take the highest number.
