How should Markham sellers compare offers, conditions and multiple offers?The highest price is not always the best offer. Compare the price together with the deposit, conditions, closing date and how likely the buyer is to close. A firm offer with a solid deposit can be stronger than a slightly higher conditional one. In multiple offers, Ontario rules let a seller, with written direction, share offer contents with competing buyers. In September 2026, Markham homes sold for an average of 98% of list price, so many sellers are negotiating with one buyer rather than several. Your strategy should match the activity you are seeing.
Getting an offer is a good day. Deciding what to do with it, or with several, is where a sale is won or lost.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, reviews every offer with sellers line by line and explains the trade-offs, so the decision is clear and the seller stays in control.
What to compare in every offer
| Term | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Price | The headline number, but not the whole story |
| Deposit | A larger deposit shows commitment and protects you if the buyer fails to close |
| Conditions | Financing, inspection or sale of property conditions mean the deal is not final yet |
| Closing date | Must work with your own move |
| Inclusions | Appliances, fixtures and rental items |
| Irrevocable time | How long you have to respond |
Understanding conditions
- Financing: common and usually a few business days. Ask about the buyer’s pre-approval.
- Home inspection: gives the buyer a chance to renegotiate or walk away. A pre-listing inspection can reduce this risk.
- Sale of the buyer’s property: the riskiest condition. See the sale of property condition and how to protect yourself with an escape clause.
- Status certificate: standard for condos.
Shorter condition periods and a strong deposit make a conditional offer easier to accept.
Holding an offer date
Some sellers set an offer date, often about a week after listing, to give buyers time to view the home. It can create competition when demand is strong. When activity is slower, it can backfire, because buyers may simply wait or move on. With 1,122 active listings in Markham in September 2026, buyers had plenty of choice, so offer dates work best for homes priced well that draw strong early interest.
Received an offer, or expecting several?
Michael John Lau can review each offer with you and explain the trade-offs.
Book a seller consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Multiple offers in Ontario
- Buyers who submit written offers must be told how many competing written offers there are.
- Since December 1, 2023, under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, a seller can choose, in writing, to share the contents of offers with competing buyers, without identifying anyone.
- Sellers can ask everyone to improve, sign back one offer, or accept the best offer as it stands.
Escalation clauses
An escalation clause says a buyer will beat any competing offer by a set amount, up to a maximum. They are uncommon in Ontario and can be complicated to verify. If you receive one, ask your REALTOR® and lawyer how it would be applied, and remember it shows the buyer’s maximum, which can help in negotiation.
When to wait for a better offer
Waiting makes sense when the home is newly listed, showing activity is strong and the offer is well below recent sales. It is riskier when the home has been on the market for weeks, showings are slowing, or the offer is close to what similar homes have sold for. Remember that the first serious buyer is often the best one. For pricing, see the seller’s pricing playbook.
Responding with a sign-back
- Decide which terms matter most to you, not only price.
- Counter on those, and accept small terms that do not matter.
- Keep the irrevocable time short and clear.
- Keep the tone respectful; buyers walk away from a negotiation that feels personal.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you accept.
The best offer is the one most likely to close on terms that work for you. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always accept the highest offer?
Not always. Compare the deposit, conditions and closing date too. A firm offer can be stronger than a slightly higher conditional one.
Can I share other offers with buyers in Ontario?
Since December 1, 2023, a seller can choose in writing to share offer contents, without identifying the parties.
Do buyers have to be told how many offers there are?
Buyers who submit written offers must be told the number of competing written offers.
Are escalation clauses allowed in Ontario?
They are allowed but uncommon. Review how they would work with your REALTOR and lawyer.
Should I accept a conditional offer?
It can be a good choice with short condition periods, a strong deposit and a qualified buyer.
Should I hold an offer date in today's market?
It can work for well-priced homes with strong early interest. In slower conditions, many sellers review offers as they arrive.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Offer disclosure rules are from RECO's TRESA FAQ (effective December 1, 2023). Market figures are from TRREB Market Watch (September 2026). This is general information, not legal advice. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
