What Happens After You Get an Offer on Your Brooklyn Home?

An inside look at what sellers need to know once the offers start rolling in.

You’ve cleaned, staged, marketed, and listed your Brooklyn home — and now… you’ve got an offer. 🎉

But before you celebrate or accept the first bid, it’s time to slow down and look closely at the details. Because in Brooklyn’s dynamic real estate market, the offer itself is just the beginning of the negotiation — and every decision from here on out could make or break your deal.

At Pen Realty, we specialize in guiding sellers through every phase of the sale. And as a member of REBNY and the Brooklyn MLS, I’ve seen how experienced strategy makes a measurable difference.

So what exactly happens after you receive an offer?

Step 1: Evaluate More Than Just Price

Sure, that number on the front page of the offer matters — but it’s not the only thing that counts.

We’ll walk through the full offer together, looking at:

• Financing terms — Is it a cash offer or mortgage-backed?

• Contingencies — Does the buyer need an inspection, appraisal, or to sell their own home first?

• Closing timeline — Is the date realistic for your move-out plans?

• Inclusions and exclusions — Are they asking for appliances, furniture, or credits?

As The New York Times recently noted, a lower-priced cash offer can sometimes be a better choice than a higher financed one. Why? It often means fewer risks, no loan delays, and a smoother path to the closing table.

Step 2: Negotiate Strategically

Once we review the terms, it’s time to negotiate. This is where we advocate fiercely on your behalf — and it’s more than just haggling over dollars.

Think:

• Repair requests after inspection

• Buyer credits toward closing costs

• Adjustments to your move-out date

• Appraisal gaps and how to handle them

Every element is on the table — and the right negotiation approach can save you time, stress, and thousands of dollars.

Step 3: Move Into Contract and Inspection

Once we accept an offer, we move to contract. This legal agreement outlines all terms and deadlines, and is signed by both parties with attorney review (standard in NYC transactions).

Next comes the home inspection. The buyer may request repairs or concessions — and we’ll help you determine what’s reasonable, what’s optional, and when to stand firm.

🛠️ Want to get ahead of inspection surprises? Consider doing a pre-inspection before listing — a strategy we cover in detail in our Seller’s Guide.

Step 4: Appraisal and Final Walk-Through

If your buyer is financing, their lender will order an appraisal to confirm that the agreed-upon price matches the home’s fair market value. If the appraisal comes in low, we’ll navigate options such as price adjustments or appraisal gap coverage.

Then, just before closing, the buyer completes a final walk-through to ensure the home is in agreed-upon condition — including any repairs made.

Step 5: Closing Day — And Beyond

On closing day, you’ll sign the final documents, hand over the keys, and the transaction is complete. But at Pen Realty, our support doesn’t stop there.

We help ensure:

• Utilities are transferred

• Move-out details are clear

• Final payments are processed correctly

• You walk away fully informed and fully supported

Because this isn’t just a sale — it’s your next chapter. And it deserves attention to every detail.

Ready to Sell with Confidence?

Whether this is your first sale or your fifth, the post-offer process can be overwhelming without expert guidance. That’s why we created our comprehensive Brooklyn Home Seller’s Guide — a step-by-step roadmap from prep to closing.

Still have questions? Reach out directly at [email protected] or visit penrealty.net to learn more about how we deliver A Signature Experience.

💙 Support a Cause Close to Home

Real estate isn’t just business — it’s personal. Peter Mancini proudly supports CaringKind NYC, a nonprofit dedicated to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Consider donating today in honor of a loved one.

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