What to Say When the Agent Asks, “Is This Your Best and Final Offer?”

A calm, confidence-building guide for Queensland buyers who want to keep the door open without giving away their power.*

That question can feel like a full stop. Your heart races, you second-guess your number, and you worry about losing the home. Take a breath. This moment is simply a request for clarity. When you respond with a steady tone and a clear framework, you stay in control and you keep the relationship positive.

Why this question matters in Queensland

In tight markets the phrase is used to gauge intent and speed up decisions. It does not always mean there are higher offers. Sometimes it is an agent testing where you stand, and sometimes it is the seller seeking certainty on timing or terms. Your job is to respond with clarity, protect your budget, and leave space to move if new information appears.

A simple 5-step response framework

1. Pause and clarify
Buy yourself a moment and seek context.
Say: “Happy to clarify. Could you share what would keep us in the conversation,”
Say: “Are there other terms, like settlement date or inclusions, that matter most to the seller right now,”

2. Re-anchor to value, not emotion
Show you have done your homework.
Say: “Our offer reflects recent comparable sales at [addresses or ranges], plus the property’s condition and time on market.”
Say: “That is our position at the moment based on what we know.”

3. Trade on terms, not just price
If there is room to move, move on things that cost less than cash.
Say: “If the seller values a shorter settlement, we can look at that,”
Say: “We can release a small deposit early once conditions are met if that helps the seller feel secure,”

4. Keep the door open without revealing your ceiling
You do not need to disclose your maximum.
Say: “This is our current offer. If the situation changes, please circle back and we will review our position,”
Say: “We want to remain respectful of the process. If there are material updates, we are open to discussing them.”

5. Close gracefully, either way
If you are at your limit, end on a warm note that preserves rapport.
Say: “Thanks for the opportunity. If circumstances shift, please keep us in mind,”

Ready-to-use scripts for common scenarios

If you suspect there are no higher offers
“Thanks for checking in. Based on our research we are comfortable where we are. If anything changes on the seller’s side, we are open to a quick chat.”

If the seller wants a quick settlement
“We can be flexible on time frames. If a 30-day settlement helps, we can consider that in place of further price movement.”

If you could improve after due diligence
“We can review our position after building and pest and finance. If those are straightforward, we may be able to sharpen the offer.”

If you are truly at your limit
“We appreciate the opportunity. This is our best position. If it does not work for the seller today, please give us a call if things change.”

If you want a temperature check without sounding pushy
“Are there other offers the seller prefers because of terms rather than price, We would like to understand what matters most.”

When to actually give a best-and-final

Use it when three things are true: you know your value range, your due diligence is largely complete, and you are willing to walk away. If any of those are missing, protect your position with an open, respectful response and keep information flowing.

Quick checklist before you say best-and-final:

• Comparable sales and days on market reviewed

• Flood, overland flow and other local risks checked

• Building and pest booked, or recent report sighted

• Finance position clear, buffers understood

• Settlement date and inclusions considered

A Queensland story to make it real

A Clever Home Buyer family were asked for best-and-final on a Saturday afternoon. Instead of blurting a higher number, they paused and asked what the seller valued most. The answer was a faster settlement and certainty. We held our price, offered a 30-day timeline with a tidy deposit release after conditions, and kept communication friendly. The seller accepted the package because it felt safe and simple. Same price, better fit.

Which line above feels most natural to you, clarity questions, terms-based trades, or the graceful close, pop your thoughts in the comments and I will help you tailor a version that suits your situation.

Buying with confidence is about steady conversations, not pressure. Keep it polite, protect your budget, and remember, you have got this, Clever Home Buyer.