Yes, a seller can choose to change the sales procedure, even during negotiations. This often happens when multiple buyers are interested in the same property and it’s unclear who the best candidate is. In such cases, the seller (in consultation with their selling agent) may decide to end the ongoing negotiations and switch to a different procedure.
For example, the seller may choose to start a sealed bidding process, where all serious buyers are invited to submit their best and final offer. This gives everyone a fair shot, but it also means that previous negotiations no longer apply.
The selling agent must still honor any specific agreements made during earlier negotiations, but outside of that, the seller is free to adjust the process as they see fit. In situations like these, it’s crucial to understand the true market value of the property. Offering more than market value can be justified if the property offers something unique, like a rare large city garden or an exceptional location.
