How Long Does a Seller Have to Respond to an Offer?

You’ve found your dream home, crunched the numbers, and submitted your offer. Now, you’re stuck in the waiting game. It’s nerve-wracking, right? You’re constantly checking your phone, wondering: how long does a seller have to respond to an offer? 

Well, here’s the scoop: sellers aren’t legally required to reply by a specific deadline, but in most cases, they respond within 24 to 72 hours. That window is pretty standard in real estate, but there’s a bit more to it.

Whether you’re buying your first home in Buffalo, NY or a condo in Columbus, OH, it helps to know what to expect after submitting an offer. Let’s break down what really happens after you hit “send” on that offer and how you can stay one step ahead in the home-buying process.

How long does a seller have to respond to an offer?

In most cases, there’s no legal deadline for how long a seller has to respond to an offer, but the typical seller response time is 24 to 72 hours. 

The exact timeframe often depends on your offer contract. Many standard purchase agreements will include an offer expiration date. This is typically 48 hours from submission; which means the seller has until then to accept, reject, or counter.

Read>> How to Make an Offer on a House

Set a time limit on your offer

Here’s the catch: if your offer doesn’t specify a response deadline, the seller could technically take as long as they want. 

Including a clear offer expiration date in your offer helps you stay in control, keeps the process moving, and avoids ghosting from the seller’s side. That said, timing matters. A deadline that’s too short may irritate the seller, while one that’s too long could invite competing offers. 

Work with your real estate agent to find out if your state or local laws allow for a contractual time limit, and how best to include it in your offer terms.

Why isn’t the seller responding?

If your offer has been sitting unanswered, it doesn’t always mean you’re out of the running. Let’s look at a few common reasons why the seller might be taking longer to respond.

1. The offer was too low

If your offer came in well below asking price, the seller might feel it’s not even worth a counter. Some sellers don’t want to negotiate from what they consider a lowball offer.

2. They received multiple offers

In competitive housing markets, sellers can get multiple offers in a single weekend. If another buyer offers more or comes with better terms (like all cash or waived contingencies), they may prioritize that deal.

3. The offer didn’t meet their needs

When a seller doesn’t respond, it’s easy to blame the price but often, it’s the terms that fall short. Sellers have goals, timelines, and preferences that shape their decisions. If your offer doesn’t align with those needs, they may pass without countering.

Here’s what sellers are often looking for:

• A quick closing timeline: Sellers who need to move fast prefer buyers who can close in 30 days or less. A long escrow period can be a turn-off.
• Fewer contingencies: Too many contingencies (inspection, appraisal, financing) can make a deal feel risky. Simpler, cleaner offers usually win. 
• Strong earnest money deposit: A higher deposit signals you’re serious and financially committed; giving sellers more peace of mind.
• Flexible move-out or rent-back options: Sellers who haven’t secured their next home may appreciate extra time to move or stay temporarily after closing.
• Proof of financing or cash offers: Pre-approval or proof of funds reassures sellers that you can follow through and the deal won’t fall apart. 

4. Overreliance on “buyer love letters”

While writing a personal letter (aka buyer love letter) to the seller might seem like a thoughtful touch, this strategy has fallen out of favor. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) cautions that these letters may reveal personal details like race, religion, or family status that could lead to unintentional fair housing violations. As a result, many agents now discourage their use, and some sellers may even reject offers that include one.

Is the seller required to respond to your offer?

Not at all. Sellers aren’t legally obligated to respond to an offer; especially if they’re not impressed with the terms. While many will at least counter, some sellers choose to stay silent if they’re not interested or are waiting on a better deal.

That silence doesn’t necessarily mean your offer was bad; it might just not be “the one” for them.

What happens after you submit an offer?

Understanding the process after an offer goes in can take away some of the mystery. Here’s a quick overview of how it typically plays out:

• Step 1: You (or your agent) send a formal offer with price and terms.
• Step 2: Seller considers the offer, consults their agent, and weighs other possibilities.
• Step 3: Seller can accept, reject, or counteroffer.
• Step 4: The offer expires after the deadline stated in the contract; or stays open.
• Step 5: If rejected or no response, you can revise your offer or move on.

During this period, it’s normal to feel anxious. But your agent’s communication can make all the difference.

Read>> How Long Does it Take to Buy a House?

What should you do if there’s no response from the seller?

Waiting for a reply that never comes is tough; however there are productive steps you can take.

1. Be patient

Some sellers need extra time to discuss offers, consult with their agent, or weigh other options. Giving them a little breathing room could still result in a response, especially in slower markets.

2. Have your agent follow up

Sometimes a gentle nudge can reignite the conversation. Your agent can reach out to the seller’s agent to ask for an update.

3. Reassess and revise your offer

If the silence continues, it might be worth reevaluating your offer. Can you improve your terms, increase your price slightly, or shorten the closing period?

4. Start looking elsewhere

Don’t let one house stall your house hunting. You can always keep shopping while waiting on an offer response; and it might give you a backup plan.

5. Know when to let go

If the seller’s silence drags on past your offer deadline, the deal is off the table. You’re free to walk away and sometimes, that’s the best move.

6. Use caution when making multiple offers

In competitive markets, it may be tempting to submit offers on several homes at once but you have to be careful. If more than one gets accepted, you could risk losing earnest money or facing legal complications. Always discuss this strategy with your agent first.

Don’t let silence throw you off track

Knowing how long a seller has to respond helps you decide whether to wait, revise your offer, or move on. Your real estate agent is your best ally and can help you craft a strong offer, communicate with the seller, and navigate the waiting period.

Remember, the home-buying process is emotional and unpredictable, but knowledge is power. A lack of response doesn’t always mean rejection; sometimes, it’s just part of the process.

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