Offers Over, Fixed Price or Auction — Which Selling Method Works Best?
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make isn’t choosing the wrong agent — it’s choosing the wrong pricing strategy.
The way your home is priced and presented to the market directly affects:
Buyer interest
Competition
Time on market
And ultimately, your final sale price
So let’s clear up the confusion around the three most common methods: Offers Over, Fixed Price, and Auction — and when each one actually works.
1. Offers Over: When Competition Is the Goal
How it works:
A guide price is advertised (e.g. Offers Over $650,000), inviting buyers to compete.
Works best when:
Buyer demand is strong
Stock levels are tight
The property appeals to a broad market
There’s confidence in early interest
Pros:
Encourages competition
Can push buyers beyond expectations
Creates urgency early
Cons:
Poorly set guides scare buyers off
Requires strong follow-up and negotiation
Truth bomb:
“Offers Over” only works if buyers believe the guide is realistic. Inflated guides kill momentum fast.
2. Fixed Price: When Clarity Matters Most
How it works:
A clear asking price is advertised (e.g. $720,000).
Works best when:
The market is balanced or slower
The home is more unique
Buyers are price-sensitive
The seller values certainty
Pros:
Clear expectations
Less confusion for buyers
Attracts serious, qualified interest
Cons:
Limits competitive tension
Buyers may negotiate harder
Reality check:
A fixed price still requires strategy. Price it wrong and the market will tell you quickly.
3. Auction: High Risk, High Reward
How it works:
The property is marketed without a price and sold under competitive bidding on a set date.
Works best when:
Demand is strong
The property is desirable or unique
Multiple buyers are likely
Sellers are flexible on timing
Pros:
Maximum transparency
Strong competition
Clear deadline
Cons:
Not ideal in quieter markets
Marketing costs are higher
No guarantee of a sale
Straight talk:
Auctions don’t create demand — they expose it. If the buyers aren’t there, auctions fall flat.
Which Strategy Is Best?
There’s no universal “best” method.
The right strategy depends on:
Your local market conditions
Your property type
Buyer behaviour right now
Your timeframe and risk tolerance
Two homes in the same suburb can require completely different approaches.
Strategy Beats Price Every Time
Pricing isn’t just about the number — it’s about how buyers feel when they see it.
A well-chosen strategy can:
Create urgency
Drive competition
Reduce time on market
Increase final sale price
A poor one does the opposite.
Not Sure Which Strategy Suits Your Home?
That’s normal — and it’s exactly why strategy conversations matter before going live.
I help sellers choose a method based on:
Real local data
Buyer behaviour
Your goals, not pressure
Whether you’re selling now or just planning ahead, getting this right early makes all the difference.
