Selling your home in Riverside, CA can be an exciting but overwhelming experience—especially when you receive multiple offers. With Riverside’s real estate market heating up, many sellers are seeing increased competition among buyers. Knowing how to navigate multiple offers on your Riverside home is key to making a profitable and stress-free sale.
By understanding how to evaluate buyer bids, compare financing options, and negotiate terms, you’ll be able to secure the best possible deal for your home. In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective strategies for handling multiple offers in the Riverside real estate market and choosing the right one for your needs.
Riverside Real Estate Market Overview (2025)
Key Riverside Housing Market Stats
✔ Median home price: $625,000 (up 7.5% YoY)
✔ Average days on the market: 27 days
✔ Homes selling over asking price: 63% of listings
✔ Buyers making multiple offers: 80% in high-demand neighborhoods
What This Means for Sellers:
✔ More buyers = higher offers and better negotiating power
✔ Competition drives up home values and faster closing times
✔ Sellers must evaluate offers carefully to maximize profit and avoid risks
Understanding Multiple Offers: Why It Happens & What It Means for You
1. Why Are Homes in Riverside Getting Multiple Offers?
- Low inventory: Only 2.3 months of supply, making it a seller’s market
- High buyer demand: Many relocating from Los Angeles & Orange County
- Competitive mortgage rates: Encouraging more buyers to enter the market
- Attractive Riverside neighborhoods: Areas like Canyon Crest & Orangecrest are in high demand
2. What Are the Benefits of Multiple Offers?
✔ Higher sale price: Competitive bids push offers above asking price
✔ Better contract terms: Stronger offers remove contingencies & speed up closings
✔ More negotiating power: Sellers can choose the best buyer with fewer risks
How to Evaluate Multiple Offers on Your Riverside Home
Not all offers are created equal. Use this strategic approach to compare offers and select the best one.
1. Compare Offer Prices – But Don’t Just Pick the Highest One
✔ Look beyond the price – A lower offer with fewer contingencies might be better
✔ Consider appraisal risk – If an offer is too high, it may not appraise, delaying closing
✔ Watch out for cash offers – They close faster but may come in lower than financed offers
2. Evaluate Buyer Financing – Who’s Most Likely to Close?
✔ Cash buyers = Faster closing, no lender issues
✔ Conventional loans = Fewer appraisal & lending delays
✔ FHA/VA loans = May have stricter requirements & longer closing times
3. Review Contingencies – Fewer Means Less Risk for You
🚨 Contingencies are conditions buyers set before finalizing the sale. Fewer contingencies = lower risk for sellers.
✔ Inspection contingency: Can delay closing if major issues arise
✔ Appraisal contingency: If home doesn’t appraise, the buyer may back out
✔ Home sale contingency: Buyer must sell their home before buying yours = riskier for sellers
💡 Best Offer? Higher price + strong financing + minimal contingencies.
Negotiation Strategies to Maximize Your Profit
Even in a seller’s market, the right strategy can further increase your profits and speed up your sale.
1. Counteroffer Strategically
✔ If two offers are close, ask both buyers for their best & final offer
✔ Counter only the strongest offers (price + financing + terms)
2. Consider a Bidding War – But Be Careful
✔ Let buyers know you have multiple offers and invite highest bids
✔ Set a deadline for final offers to keep things moving
3. Watch Out for Red Flags
🚨 Signs of risky buyers:
❌ Buyers requesting too many contingencies
❌ Unusual lender requests or delays in submitting documents
❌ Offers with unrealistically high prices that may not appraise
How to Secure the Best Offer & Close Smoothly
Once you’ve chosen the strongest offer, here’s how to ensure a smooth closing.
1. Work With an Experienced Riverside Real Estate Agent
✔ They’ll help navigate multiple offers & negotiate the best deal
✔ They’ll handle paperwork & legal requirements
✔ They’ll screen buyers for financial strength
2. Communicate Clearly with Buyers
✔ Be transparent about expectations & deadlines
✔ Ensure buyers are ready to proceed with financing & inspections
3. Be Ready to Move Quickly
✔ Once you accept an offer, prepare for closing immediately
✔ Schedule any required inspections & appraisals ASAP
Your Riverside Home Selling Questions—Answered!
How do I handle multiple offers on my Riverside home?
- Carefully compare offer price, financing type, contingencies, and buyer reliability before choosing. The highest offer isn’t always the best!
Is a cash offer better than a financed offer?
- It depends! Cash offers close faster, but a strong conventional loan offer with fewer contingencies may offer a higher sale price.
How do I start a bidding war?
- Let buyers know you have multiple offers and ask for their best & final bid. Set a deadline for new offers to maintain urgency.
What’s the biggest mistake sellers make with multiple offers?
- Choosing the highest bid without checking buyer financing & contingencies. Always evaluate the entire offer package!
Closing the Best Deal: Smart Strategies for Selling Your Riverside Home
The Riverside housing market is hot, and multiple offers give sellers a unique advantage. But choosing the right offer—not just the highest one—can make or break your sale.
✔ Compare offers beyond just price – Consider financing strength & contingencies
✔ Negotiate smartly – Counter only serious buyers and consider bidding wars carefully
✔ Work with a local expert – A top Riverside real estate agent can help you navigate offers and close smoothly & profitably
📢 Selling your Riverside home? Work with an expert today to get top dollar!
