The 3 Riskiest Offers Sellers Can Get and How To Avoid Them

By Jason Baker

Jason Baker is the leading listing agent in the entire regional mls for residential and or total units sold, 8 years running. He is a tireless worker, and surrounds himself with the best admin and sales team in Montana...and the results speak for themselves.

Not every offer is worth accepting. Some can put your entire sale at risk, dragging out your timeline and costing you money. I’ve seen too many sellers get excited when an offer comes in, only to face disappointment when the deal falls through. If you want to sell your home quickly and with confidence, it’s essential to know which offers carry the most risk—and how to spot them before it’s too late. Here are three risky offers you should be wary of:

1. Offers from buyers who haven’t seen the home. They may rely on video tours or FaceTime with their agent, but the truth is, most will still want to walk through the home before closing. When they finally do, the layout might not feel right, or the condition may not match what they expected. That’s when the deal falls apart. When a contract terminates, your days on market go up, and your listing can start to look like something’s wrong with it.

2. Contingent offers with unlisted homes. Another risky situation is when a buyer submits a contingent offer, but their current home isn’t even on the market yet. There’s no way to know when it will be listed, how it will be priced, or how long it will take to sell. If the home is out of state, it’s even harder to evaluate. That uncertainty can tie up your sale for weeks without any clear outcome. In a shifting market, this puts you in a vulnerable position.

3. Offers from buyers with inexperienced agents. These agents often submit low offers, lack strong negotiation skills, and may not prepare their clients for common inspection issues. In Montana, there are many local construction norms that agents from other areas may not understand. If they don’t know how to guide their buyers through the process, deals often fall apart during inspection.

Work with someone who knows how to protect your sale. When reviewing offers, it’s not just about the price. It’s about the strength and reliability of the terms. I take the time to evaluate the buyer’s situation, the agent’s experience, and the likelihood that the deal will close the first time.

If you’re thinking about selling or want a second opinion on an offer you’ve received, call 406-552-4443, email jason@jasonbakerteam.com, or visit www.jasonbakerteam.com to get started. I’m here to help you protect your investment and move forward with clarity.