How to Evaluate Multiple Offers on Your Bellingham Home Without Getting Overwhelmed

Most delayed home sales aren’t caused by dramatic problems. They’re usually slowed down by small issues that compound over time. Understanding what commonly causes delays can help sellers avoid unnecessary frustration. The good news is that many delays are preventable with early planning and realistic expectations . Common sources of delay Pricing misalignment is one of the most frequent causes. When price and buyer expectations don’t match, showings slow and momentum stalls. Inspection surprises can also cause delays, especially when sellers haven’t anticipated how buyers might respond. Financing issues, appraisal timing, and incomplete paperwork can add days or weeks if not addressed promptly. None of these issues mean the sale is failing. They mean coordination is needed. Why preparation reduces delays Homes that are prepared thoughtfully tend to move through the process more smoothly. Sellers who understand their home’s condition, pricing strategy, and next steps are better equipped to respond quickly when questions arise. Responsiveness matters. Clear communication keeps timelines on track. When delays are part of the plan Not every seller needs speed. Some are coordinating a move, waiting on a purchase, or planning around life events. In those cases, a longer timeline may be intentional and appropriate. The issue is not delay itself. It’s delay without a plan. A planning-forward reframe Instead of worrying about what might go wrong, focus on what you can control. Preparation, clarity, and flexibility go a long way toward keeping a sale on track. When expectations are aligned early, delays become manageable rather than stressful. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you want to reduce the chance of delays and plan a smoother sale, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi,dyer

Appraisals often create anxiety because they feel outside a seller’s control. Once a price is agreed upon, many sellers assume the deal is essentially done, only to worry when the appraisal is ordered. The truth is that most appraisals come in as expected , but understanding how they work and what influences them can reduce stress and help you respond calmly if questions arise. What an appraisal actually does An appraisal is performed for the lender, not the buyer or the seller. Its purpose is to confirm that the home’s value supports the loan amount. Appraisers look at recent comparable sales, market trends, and the home’s condition. They are not trying to renegotiate the deal. They are assessing risk. Why appraisals feel tense in balanced markets In fast-moving markets, prices can rise faster than comparable sales. In balanced markets, buyers and sellers often meet in the middle, which usually aligns well with appraisals. Tension tends to arise when a home is priced at the very top of its range or when there are few recent comparable sales. That doesn’t mean the deal will fail. It means expectations need to be managed. What happens if an appraisal comes in low A low appraisal doesn’t automatically end a transaction. Often, there are options: The buyer may bring in additional funds The seller and buyer may renegotiate The parties may meet somewhere in between The right response depends on the strength of the offer, the buyer’s financing, and the seller’s goals. How preparation helps even here Clear pricing, strong presentation, and accurate documentation of improvements can all support a smoother appraisal process. While sellers can’t control the outcome, preparation reduces surprises. A calmer way to approach appraisals Instead of fearing the appraisal, it helps to view it as another checkpoint in the process. When pricing and strategy were sound from the beginning, appraisals tend to align. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If appraisal questions are part of what’s causing hesitation, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

Few words make sellers more uncomfortable than “price adjustment.” It often feels like a failure, or a signal that something went wrong. In reality, price adjustments are a normal and sometimes strategic part of selling in a balanced market like Bellingham’s. The key is understanding when an adjustment helps restore leverage and when it quietly gives it away . A thoughtful adjustment can reignite interest. A reactive one can undermine confidence. Why price adjustments feel so emotional A home price isn’t just a number. It’s tied to expectations, memories, and often a sense of worth. When a home doesn’t receive the response a seller hoped for, it’s easy to take that personally. But the market’s response isn’t a judgment. It’s information. Buyers are constantly comparing options. If a home isn’t getting traction, it usually means the price isn’t aligned with how buyers are currently perceiving value relative to alternatives. When an adjustment actually helps Price adjustments are most effective when they are: Made early, before a listing feels “stale” Large enough to reposition the home into a new buyer search bracket Paired with a renewed marketing push and clear communication Early adjustments often reset momentum. They can bring the home in front of buyers who hadn’t previously considered it and create a sense of renewed relevance. When adjustments quietly hurt leverage Small, incremental reductions spread out over time often do more harm than good. Buyers tend to interpret repeated minor reductions as hesitation or uncertainty, which can encourage aggressive negotiation. Adjustments made after a long period on market can also signal increased flexibility, even if the seller doesn’t intend that. This is why timing and intent matter more than the adjustment itself. Using feedback instead of fear The most productive way to approach pricing decisions is through feedback. Are buyers commenting on value? Are they comparing the home to others at a lower price point? Are showings happening but not converting? Those signals are more reliable than headlines or averages. A planning-forward reframe Instead of viewing a price adjustment as “giving in,” it’s often more accurate to see it as realigning with current buyer behavior . When done intentionally, adjustments can restore confidence, reduce time on market, and lead to cleaner negotiations. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you’re wondering whether an adjustment would help or hurt your sale, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

Receiving multiple offers can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Sellers often worry about choosing the “wrong” one, even when the numbers look good. The most important thing to remember is that the strongest offer is not always the highest price. Evaluating offers holistically leads to smoother closings and fewer surprises. Why price alone doesn’t tell the whole story Two offers with the same price can carry very different levels of risk. Financing type, contingencies, timelines, and flexibility all influence how likely an offer is to close successfully. A slightly lower offer with strong terms can often lead to a better overall outcome than a higher offer that feels fragile. Understanding contingencies and risk Contingencies give buyers protection, but they also introduce uncertainty for sellers. Inspection timelines, appraisal conditions, and financing terms all affect risk. Understanding which contingencies are standard and which ones carry more uncertainty helps sellers choose confidently. Why timelines matter more than sellers expect Closing timelines can affect moving plans, temporary housing, and stress levels. An offer that aligns with your desired timeline may be worth more than one that creates pressure. Evaluating offers through a planning lens Instead of asking, “Which offer is best?” try asking: “Which offer supports the outcome I want with the least stress?” That lens helps remove emotion and clarify decisions. A calmer way to choose You don’t have to rush. Multiple offers create options. Taking a moment to evaluate the full picture usually leads to better decisions and fewer regrets. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you want help evaluating offers and understanding the trade-offs clearly, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

When a home doesn’t sell quickly, sellers often assume something is fundamentally wrong. In reality, homes that sit usually share a few common characteristics, and those characteristics are often fixable. The key takeaway is this: homes sell quickly when pricing, presentation, and buyer expectations are aligned. When they’re not, time on market increases. Understanding these patterns can help sellers avoid unnecessary frustration. The difference between “slow” and “misaligned” Not every home needs to sell immediately. But when showings are sparse or feedback repeats the same concerns, it’s usually a sign of misalignment. Misalignment can show up as pricing that doesn’t match condition, presentation that doesn’t match price, or marketing that doesn’t clearly communicate the home’s strengths. Buyers respond quickly when a home feels coherent. They hesitate when something feels off. How buyers interpret time on market Buyers notice how long a home has been listed. They may not say it out loud, but they factor it into their expectations. A home that sits longer than average often attracts more cautious offers. Buyers assume the seller may be more flexible, which can lead to tougher negotiations later. This doesn’t mean the seller has failed. It means perception has shifted. Why early feedback is so important Feedback from the first few weeks is invaluable. It reveals whether pricing and presentation are aligned with buyer expectations. Ignoring or dismissing consistent feedback can prolong the process. Using it thoughtfully can reset momentum before time on market becomes a larger issue. When sitting is strategic and when it’s not There are times when a longer timeline is intentional. Some sellers value certainty or are coordinating moves. In those cases, time on market is not a problem. The issue arises when a home sits without a plan. That’s when frustration builds. A planning-forward reframe Instead of asking, “Why isn’t it selling?” a more helpful question is: “What signal is the market giving us, and how do we respond calmly?” That approach keeps control in the seller’s hands. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you’re wondering why your home isn’t getting traction or want to avoid that scenario altogether, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

Pricing is one of the most stressful parts of selling because it feels permanent and public. Once a price is out there, it’s visible to neighbors, buyers, and anyone scrolling online. Many sellers worry that if they price too low, they’ll leave money on the table. If they price too high, they’ll miss the moment. The reality is that pricing is not about predicting the highest possible number. It’s about positioning your home where buyers are already willing to act. Understanding how pricing actually works in Bellingham can help you approach this decision with more confidence and less second-guessing. Why pricing is more psychology than math Comparable sales matter, but pricing is not a spreadsheet exercise alone. Buyers don’t shop by logic only. They shop by brackets. They compare homes they believe are similar. They decide quickly whether something feels like a fit. When a home is priced just outside where buyers expect it to be, it often gets skipped entirely. When it’s priced in alignment with how buyers are searching, it gets attention, showings, and conversations. This is why two homes with similar features can have very different results depending on how they are priced. The importance of the first two weeks The strongest window of buyer attention is almost always the first two weeks on the market. That’s when a listing is new, visible, and actively compared against everything else. If pricing is aligned, buyers engage early. If pricing is optimistic, buyers wait. Waiting is not neutral. It changes leverage. Once a home has been on the market longer than expected, buyers begin asking “why,” even if nothing is wrong. Pricing correctly at the start protects this window. Why “testing the market” often backfires Some sellers choose to “test the market” with a higher price, assuming they can adjust later. In practice, this often leads to fewer showings and slower momentum. When a price is reduced later, buyers rarely treat it as a fresh opportunity. Instead, they assume the seller is now more flexible and negotiate more aggressively. The end result can be a lower net outcome than if the home had been priced accurately from the beginning. How local context changes pricing strategy Bellingham is not a one-note market. Buyer behavior can vary significantly by neighborhood, home style, and price range. What works in one area may not work in another. This is where local insight matters. Pricing should reflect not only recent sales, but also current buyer activity and competition in your specific segment. A planning-forward reframe Instead of asking, “What’s the highest price I can ask?” a more useful question is: “Where does my home need to be priced so the right buyers feel confident stepping forward?” That mindset tends to produce steadier momentum, cleaner negotiations, and a less stressful experience overall. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you want help pricing your home based on real buyer behavior, not guesswork, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

I’m honored to share that I’ve been selected as the 2025 Community Service Award recipient by the Whatcom County Association of REALTORS® . I was one of four nominees, and being recognized by my peers makes this award especially meaningful. Community service has always been an essential part of my work, not something separate from real estate, but something deeply connected to it. Housing is personal. It intersects with stability, opportunity, and long-term well-being, and showing up for the community is part of the responsibility that comes with this profession. A Career Grounded in Service and Professionalism I’m a Managing Broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County and a second-generation REALTOR® with more than 15 years of experience serving residential, investment, and commercial clients throughout Whatcom County. My approach has always been grounded in ethics, clear communication, and data-driven decision-making, especially in a market that continues to evolve. That commitment extends beyond transactions. I currently serve as a State Director for the Whatcom County Association of REALTORS® and am an active member of the Government Affairs Committee , where I contribute to conversations that shape housing policy and protect property rights at the local and state level. I also serve as Vice President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Northwest Washington , supporting leadership development and education within our industry. Ongoing education is a priority for me, and I regularly attend WA REALTORS® conferences and programs , including Ignite and the Spring and Fall Conferences, bringing insights and best practices back to my clients and colleagues. A Trusted Local Voice on Housing Issues Earlier this year, The Bellingham Herald sought my perspective for a front-page feature examining how a federal government shutdown could impact the local real estate market. Translating national policy into real-world implications for our community is an important part of advocacy, and I take that role seriously. Community Involvement That Goes Beyond the Transaction Receiving the Community Service Award reflects years of involvement with organizations working to strengthen housing stability, economic opportunity, and community connection. Over the years, I’ve served as a board member of Whatcom Women in Business , participated on the Steering Committee for the Whatcom Housing Alliance , and supported local nonprofits including Lydia Place , Engedi Refuge , Happy Tails Happy Homes , Whatcom Humane Society , and Habitat for Humanity . I also support Sustainable Connections and Women Sharing Hope , and I’m currently in the process of becoming a mentor with Skookum Kids . Beyond Whatcom County, my family’s philanthropic work extends internationally through the Dyer Family Friendship School in Cambodia , a reminder that community impact can reach far beyond our immediate geography. Grateful, and Looking Ahead This recognition isn’t a finish line. It’s encouragement to continue advocating for thoughtful housing policy, supporting community partners, and serving clients with care and integrity. I’m grateful to WCAR, to the other nominees, and to the many organizations and individuals who make this work collaborative and meaningful. Community service is not an add-on to real estate. It’s part of how I show up. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based Managing Broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County and the recipient of the 2025 Community Service Award from the Whatcom County Association of REALTORS® . She specializes in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions during major transitions. With more than 15 years of experience, Andi is known for her calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise. She focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. Her work is rooted in ethical leadership, housing advocacy, and deep community involvement across Whatcom County. SERVING BELLINGHAM & WHATCOM COUNTY 📍 Bellingham, Washington 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com START WITH A LOW-PRESSURE FIRST STEP If you’re weighing whether to wait or start planning now, this is a good place to begin. 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ FIND ANDI ONLINE Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

For many homeowners, listing a home feels unfamiliar, especially if it’s been many years since the last sale. Uncertainty often comes from not knowing what happens first, what decisions matter most, and how much control you actually have. The reality is that a well-run listing process is structured and predictable when approached with a plan. Understanding that structure can make the experience feel far less intimidating. The planning stage before the listing goes live Before a home is listed, decisions are made about pricing, preparation, timing, and marketing. This stage shapes everything that follows. Sellers who take time here tend to feel more confident once the home is live. They’re less likely to second-guess decisions because they understand why those decisions were made. Pricing and positioning in the local market Pricing is not just about recent sales. It’s about understanding how buyers are currently behaving in your specific area of Whatcom County. Positioning also matters. How the home is presented, described, and photographed influences which buyers show up and how serious they feel. Showings and feedback Once listed, showings begin and feedback is collected. This feedback is data, not judgment. It helps confirm whether pricing and presentation are aligned with buyer expectations. Understanding how to interpret feedback prevents overreaction and helps sellers make informed adjustments if needed. What makes a listing feel smooth Listings feel smooth when sellers understand the plan, know what signals to watch for, and have clarity about next steps. Communication and preparation make a meaningful difference. A planning-forward reframe Instead of viewing listing as a leap, it helps to see it as a series of small, manageable steps. When each step is understood, the process feels far more controlled. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you’re thinking about listing and want to understand the process before committing to anything, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/  Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer

Accepting an offer often feels like the finish line, but it’s really the start of a new phase. This is where timelines, inspections, and coordination come into focus, and where many sellers experience the most uncertainty. The good news is that most of what happens after acceptance is predictable when you understand the steps. Knowing what to expect can turn this phase from stressful to manageable. The inspection period and why it matters After an offer is accepted, buyers typically conduct inspections. This is their opportunity to understand the home’s condition more fully. Inspection results don’t automatically mean repairs will be demanded. Often, they lead to conversations about priorities, credits, or acknowledgments. Sellers who understand this process tend to feel less defensive and more in control. Appraisal and lender review If the buyer is using financing, the lender will order an appraisal. The appraiser’s role is to confirm that the home’s value supports the loan amount. Most appraisals come in as expected, but when they don’t, options usually exist. Understanding those options ahead of time helps sellers respond calmly if adjustments are needed. Escrow and paperwork coordination During escrow, documents are prepared, timelines are tracked, and conditions are satisfied. This phase involves a lot of communication, but very little decision-making for the seller unless an issue arises. Staying organized and responsive helps this phase move smoothly. Common reasons transactions feel stressful here Stress often comes from surprises, tight timelines, or misaligned expectations. Sellers who have a clear plan and understand what’s normal tend to feel much steadier during this phase. A calmer way to think about the process Instead of waiting for problems, it helps to view this stage as a sequence of checkpoints. When each step is understood, the overall process feels far less overwhelming. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andi Dyer is a Bellingham-based real estate broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, specializing in helping longtime homeowners and sellers make confident, well-informed decisions. With a calm, data-driven approach and strong negotiation expertise, Andi focuses on protecting equity, reducing stress, and guiding sellers through the process with clarity and care. 📍 Serving Bellingham and all of Whatcom County 📞 Call or text: 360 • 734 • 6479 📧 Email: andi [at] andidyer [dot] com If you want a clear picture of what happens after an offer is accepted, start here: 👉 Start with a low-pressure home value and seller planning tool here: https://www.andidyerrealestate.com/seller/valuation/ Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AndiDyer Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/andi-dyer Homes.com: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/andi-dyer Google Business Profile: https://g.page/andi-dyer-real-estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndiDyerRealEstate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andi.dyer