What Does OIEO Mean?


Table of Contents

  1. Understanding OIEO (Offers In Excess Of) in Property Listings
  2. How Does OIEO Influence the Buying Process?
  3. Comparing OIEO with Other Real Estate Terms
  4. Strategies for Buyers Dealing with OIEO Properties
  5. Potential Pitfalls of OIEO for Sellers


When selling a property, some terms can be confusing. Terms such as “OIEO” or “Offers In Excess Of”, indicate that the seller is inviting offers above a specified amount, suggesting a minimum entry point for offers or bids, but not necessarily capping the maximum offer they are willing to accept.

Understanding OIEO (Offers In Excess Of) in Property Listings

OIEO is typically used to encourage potential buyers to start their offers above a certain price. It implies that while the seller is setting a baseline expectation, they are hopeful for, and possibly expecting higher offers. This strategy can be particularly useful in competitive markets where a property may attract considerable interest, thereby could drive the price up above the initial OIEO threshold. Moreover, having OIEO listed could also rope buyers into a bidding war against each other, where home seller could accept the highest offer, when best and final offers are requested.

How Does OIEO Influence the Buying Process?

For buyers, encountering an OIEO listing can affect their approach to making an offer. It sets a psychological baseline, suggesting that offers below the stated amount may not be considered seriously, if at all. This can deter low-ball offers and streamline the sale process towards more serious inquiries. Furthermore, possibly speeding up the time it takes to sell the property.

Comparing OIEO with Other Real Estate Terms

OIEO is often compared with terms like “Guide Price” or “Offers In Region of”. While a guide price indicates a ballpark figure the seller hopes to achieve, it can be more flexible. “Offers Invited” is even broader, suggesting the seller is open to a wide range of offers, perhaps even below what they may accept in an OIEO scenario, however offers invited is a rare occurrence.

Strategies for Buyers Dealing with OIEO Properties

Buyers interested in a property listed with OIEO should prepare to make offers above the stated amount to be taken seriously. We recommend researching comparable properties in the area to understand whether the OIEO is reasonably set. Also, to determine a competitive offer that reflects both market value and personal budget limits.

Potential Pitfalls of OIEO for Sellers

While OIEO can expedite a sale and help filter out low offers, it also may alienate potential buyers who may feel they are being priced out or that the property is overvalued, especially if the OIEO is set unrealistically high compared to similar listings. To ensure your property is getting correctly valued we would advise using an experienced estate agent with a proven track record, you can find such agents within your area by using our estate agent comparison tool enabling you to find the best estate agents.

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