Receiving an offer is the moment all your hard work pays off. However, it can also be the point where things feel the most "legal." This guide breaks down the immediate steps you need to take to move from a verbal "yes" to a legally binding contract.

What should I do when I receive an offer?

When a buyer makes an offer, don't feel pressured to say yes or no on the spot. Thank them, tell them you'll consider it, and then follow this checklist to ensure you have all the facts.

1. Capture the Full Details

A "price" is only half the story. To properly evaluate an offer, you need the full picture in writing:

• Price: The total dollar amount.
• Deposit: How much they are paying upfront (usually held in your solicitor's trust account).
• Conditions: Is it "Subject to Finance," "Subject to Building & Pest," or "Subject to the sale of another property"?
• Inclusions: Are they asking for the curtains, the dishwasher, or the cubby house in the back?
• Settlement Timeframe: When do they want to move in (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days)?
• Solicitor Details: Ask for the name and contact details of their legal representation.

Pro-Tip: Use our Online Offer Form or the Printable Offer Form (found in your account under 'Forms and Downloads') to make sure you don't miss any of these details. Note that this form is a record of interest and is not a legally binding contract.

2. Call Your Conveyancer or Solicitor

Once you have the details of an offer you are happy with, your next call should be to your solicitor or conveyancer.

• Give them the buyer’s offer details and their solicitor’s contact info.
• Your solicitor will then draw up the formal Contract of Sale and liaise with the buyer's side to arrange the signing.
• From this point on, your solicitor is your primary guide for the legal transfer of the property.

3. Managing Your Listing During the Sale

While the legal team handles the paperwork, you still need to manage your online presence.

• When to mark as 'Under Contract': We generally recommend waiting until the cooling-off period has expired before updating your listing status in your PropertyNow dashboard.
• When to mark as 'Sold': Once the contract goes unconditional (all conditions like finance and inspections are met), that is the time to celebrate and mark it as 'Sold'.
• Inspections: You can still hold open houses while a property is "Under Contract" (especially during the cooling-off period). Just be sure to tell attendees that you have an active contract and are currently taking "backup interest."

Helpful Resources for Negotiators

If you aren't quite at the "acceptance" stage yet and need to sharpen your haggling skills, check out these guides:

• Receiving Offers: The Basics
• How to Respond to an Offer
• Negotiation Tips & Strategies

Updated on: 25/02/2026