In theory, there's no rule about how quickly a seller has to respond to purchase offers. You can take as long as you want before responding since there is no official time frame. However, the industry standard is to get back to interested buyers within 24 to 72 hours. This is a common courtesy observed by many professionals in the industry.
State Exceptions
The exception is for certain states, such as California, where an offer will be considered revoked if it's not signed by the seller and delivered back to the buyer by 5 P.M. on the third day after the buyer signs it. A buyer can enter a specific date into the agreement or keep the default of the third day.
In this case, all money paid by the buyer, such as earnest money, would be promptly refunded.
In states that don’t have specific rules and guidelines, sellers usually respond within one to three business days.
Ways to Respond to an Offer
When an offer from a qualified buyer comes in, you can respond in one of three main ways:
1. Accept the Offer As-Is
This is the best-case scenario for any buyer making an offer. If you agree to all the terms, conditions, and contingencies in the purchase contract, it may be worth signing on the spot. Accepting an offer without changes means the buyer can move to the home inspection phase.
2. Send a Counteroffer
Some offers may be close to what you want but still contain deal breakers. In this case, you can propose a counteroffer with changes, such as:
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A higher price
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A lower price but without certain appliances or furniture
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A different split of closing costs
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Changes to contingencies
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A revised closing date
Once you send a counteroffer, the buyer has a deadline to respond—either accepting or rejecting it.
3. Reject the Buyer's Offer in Writing
Especially in a seller’s market, you may receive multiple offers. While not required, a written rejection is considered polite and signals the buyer to move on. However, once you’ve rejected an offer in writing, it’s difficult to return to that buyer if your first accepted offer falls through.
Reasons a Seller Might Not Respond
Acknowledging receipt of an offer isn’t the same as responding. Reasons for no response may include:
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Offer is too high or too low – A lowball offer may signal the buyer isn’t serious. A too-high offer may be unrealistic if the buyer needs financing.
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Waiting to review all offers at once – This can help compare all offers fairly but risks losing buyers who want a quick reply.
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Waiting for a public open house – Holding off until after the event could bring in stronger offers.
Work with a Top and Experienced Real Estate Agent
Entertaining and reviewing purchase offers is far less stressful with a real estate professional. They’ll help you choose the best offer for your situation—not just the highest price—and ensure you understand the process.
Create a Pros and Cons List
With your agent, you can build a spreadsheet to weigh each offer.
For example:
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Higher offer with a short closing period
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Slightly lower offer with flexible closing date
This approach helps you decide based on your needs and circumstances.
