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What is a Bully Offer and Should You Make One as a Home Buyer?

Are you about to put an offer to buy a home that has a listing presentation date set? When it comes to spotting the perfect home that ticks a lot of boxes, buyers are constantly looking for ways to get ahead and sometimes, that means making a bold move. Enter the bully offer, also known as an pre-emptive offer. This strategy can either fast-track your home purchase or backfire if not executed wisely.

What Is a Bully Offer?

A bully offer is when a buyer submits an offer to purchase a home before the seller’s scheduled offer presentation date.

It’s called a bully offer because it essentially “jumps the line,” trying to force the seller to consider one strong offer early, instead of waiting for the bidding war that may come on offer night.

Why Would a Buyer Make a Bully Offer?

In a seller’s market, where competition is intense and desirable homes are sold quickly, time is everything. Buyers use bully offers to:

Avoid competition in a bidding war
Stand out with a strong, early offer
Catch the seller off-guard before other offers come in
Secure a property they love without waiting

It's a power move, but it needs to be made strategically.

When Do Bully Offers Typically Happen?

Bully offers are most common in hot real estate markets where sellers list homes with a delayed offer date, hoping for multiple bids. If a buyer feels the home is worth competing for or wants to avoid the chaos of multiple offers, they may make a bully offer within hours after viewing the property.

Pros of Making a Bully Offer

Get Ahead of the Pack: Beat other buyers to the punch.
Less Competition: The seller may accept your offer before others even get a chance to see the home.
Faster Process: If the seller accepts, you're under contract sooner and can move on with inspections, financing, and closing.
More Control: You set the terms and price in your offer, rather than reacting to what others bring to the table.

Risks and Downsides to Consider

You Might Overpay: To be considered early, your offer needs to be strong, possibly higher than what you’d pay in a regular bidding war.
It Could Be Rejected: Some sellers stick to their plan and won’t entertain early offers. Consult with your real estate agent if the sellers are welcoming bully offers or not.
No Second Chance: Bully offers are usually firm. You don’t get to negotiate much.
Emotional Pressure: Quick decisions can lead to regrets if you don’t have time to fully consider the home or the neighbourhood.

How Sellers Might Respond to a Bully Offer

If a seller receives a bully offer, they can choose to do the following:

Accept it right away
Reject it and wait for offer night
Counter and negotiate with the bully offer in hand
Notify all the agents who have shown are or have an showing appointment booked that they’re now reviewing offers early and there is one offer on the table, which can spark a bidding war anyway.

That’s why timing, strategy, and presentation are key.

How to Craft a Strong Bully Offer

If you and your real estate agent decide to go the bully route, make it count. A strong bully offer typically includes:

A compelling price
Few (or no) conditions
Flexible closing date
Proof of financing or deposit
A personal letter (optional, but can tug at heartstrings!)

Your agent should also communicate clearly and respectfully with the listing agent to ensure your offer gets the attention it deserves.

Is a Bully Offer Right for You?

Bully offers aren’t for every buyer—or every property. You might consider one if:

You’ve lost out on multiple bidding wars already
You’re confident the home is right for you
You’re willing to pay a premium to avoid competition
You have all your financing and paperwork ready to go with a FIRM offer

But if you’re still exploring or want more time to evaluate your options, it might be best to wait for the scheduled offer date.

Work With a Pro Who Knows the Market

At the end of the day, a bully offer is an ‘all-or-nothing’ strategy that requires precision, confidence, and the right timing. If it’s done well, it can win you the home of your dreams. If it’s done poorly, it can leave you with a rejected offer and waiting for the offer presentation date to try again and potentially be in a bidding war.

That’s why having the right real estate agent in your corner is key. If you're considering this approach or just want to understand your options, let's connect. We’d love to help you navigate your next move with confidence.