It's really simple. Highest offer = Yes.

Except in real estate.

The higher offer can fall apart in so many ways before the ink even dries. Putting in an offer for a home that has a contingency can work for both parties. It can also tie-up valuable time and it's not a guarantee. It's a maybe.

They say where there's a will, there's a way. It's often true. In real estate, where there's a pre-approved, there's a deal. Someone can love your home and even have the means. If what they don't have is a pre-approval, then can't buy. It may be an issue of time to get pre-approval, credit score woes that may or may not be valid, or they may even be looking just outside of their budget. The fact is, no pre-approval usually means no home. At least right then.

Putting in the highest offer when it's above what the property is expected to appraise can also backfire. If the buyers have agreed to pay a gap or amount over the appraisal, that's a win. If the buyer is being financed and is capped by their lending institution, you're back to square one.

A buyer with C A S H? How can that not be the best offer? They need to close in 10 days AND take immediate possession. Maybe you need the 30-45 expected. You could possibly rent short term while looking for your new home, or even live with family or an AirBnB, but it might not fit you or your families needs.

What's keeping you from selling and buying a home?