{"id":101824,"date":"2025-06-12T13:38:58","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T20:38:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=101824"},"modified":"2025-06-12T13:38:58","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T20:38:58","slug":"how-long-does-seller-have-to-respond-to-offer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-long-does-seller-have-to-respond-to-offer\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does a Seller Have to Respond to an Offer?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve found your dream home, crunched the numbers, and submitted your offer. Now, you’re stuck in the waiting game. It\u2019s nerve-wracking, right? You’re constantly checking your phone, wondering: how long does a seller have to respond to an offer?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, here\u2019s the scoop: sellers aren\u2019t 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\u2019s a bit more to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you’re buying your first <\/span>home in Buffalo, N<\/span><\/a>Y or a <\/span>condo in Columbus, OH<\/span><\/a>, it helps to know what to expect after submitting an offer. Let\u2019s break down what really happens after you hit \u201csend\u201d on that offer and how you can stay one step ahead in the <\/span>home-buying process.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

How long does a seller have to respond to an offer?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In most cases, there’s no <\/span>legal deadline<\/span> for how long a seller has to respond to an offer, but the typical seller response time is <\/span>24 to 72 hours<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The exact timeframe often depends on your offer contract. Many standard <\/span>purchase agreements<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read>> <\/i><\/b>How to Make an Offer on a House<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Set a time limit on your offer<\/span><\/h3>\n

Here’s the catch: if your offer doesn\u2019t specify a response deadline, the seller could technically take as long as they want.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Including a clear offer expiration date in your offer helps you stay in control, keeps the process moving, and avoids ghosting from the seller\u2019s side. That said, timing matters. A deadline that\u2019s too short may irritate the seller, while one that\u2019s too long could invite competing offers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why isn\u2019t the seller responding?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your offer has been sitting unanswered, it doesn\u2019t always mean you’re out of the running. Let\u2019s look at a few common reasons why the seller might be taking longer to respond.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. The offer was too low<\/span><\/h3>\n

If your offer came in well below asking price, the seller might feel it’s not even worth a counter. Some sellers don\u2019t want to negotiate from what they consider a <\/span>lowball offer<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. They received multiple offers<\/span><\/h3>\n

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

3. The offer didn\u2019t meet their needs<\/span><\/h3>\n

When a seller doesn\u2019t respond, it\u2019s easy to blame the price but often, it\u2019s the terms that fall short. Sellers have goals, timelines, and preferences that shape their decisions. If your <\/span>offer<\/span><\/a> doesn\u2019t align with those needs, they may pass without countering.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what sellers are often looking for:<\/span>
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