Uncategorized 13 October 2025

How Long Do You Have to Accept an Offer?

Timing is everything in real estate, and nowhere is that truer than in the offer process. Every Agreement of Purchase and Sale includes an irrevocable clause — a legally binding time limit during which an offer must be accepted.

Once that deadline passes, the offer becomes void, and neither side is obligated to proceed. This clause protects both parties by defining a clear window for negotiation.

Buyers often use short irrevocable times to apply pressure, hoping to block competing offers. For example, an offer with an expiry of 6 p.m. the same day may catch a seller off-guard, leaving little time to consider. In contrast, sellers sometimes set review dates to allow multiple offers to come in, creating fair competition and better outcomes.

For Fort Erie homeowners, understanding this timing helps avoid missed opportunities. A strong offer might slip away simply because the irrevocable time wasn’t managed properly. Likewise, buyers who let deadlines lapse lose their chance to secure the property altogether.

Working closely with your REALTOR® ensures that all parties respect timelines and communicate effectively, reducing stress in what can be a fast-moving process.