How offers get presented
Your agent is required to present every genuine written offer to you, clearly setting out price, conditions and proposed settlement date, they can’t withhold an offer or misrepresent competing interest that doesn’t exist. Look at the whole picture, not just the headline price: an offer with fewer conditions and a settlement date that suits you can sometimes be worth more in practice than a higher offer with more attached to it.
Counter-offers and negotiation
You’re not obliged to accept the first offer, or any offer, you can negotiate, counter, decline, or wait for further interest. Your agent relays counter-offers back and forth and can advise on what’s realistic given current buyer interest, but the decision is entirely yours.
Reviewing conditions, not just price
Common conditions include finance approval, a satisfactory building report, and sometimes a LIM. Your lawyer will explain what each condition in a specific offer means and the timeframe attached, which is worth a proper conversation rather than skimming.
Completing the sale
Once all conditions are satisfied, the agreement becomes unconditional. From there, your lawyer prepares for settlement while you focus on the practical side, organising your own move, arranging for final meter readings, and making sure any agreed chattels are left in place.