28+ Best Responses to a Best and Final Offer (100+ Examples)
Quick guide
“This is our best and final offer.” Whether those words come from a home seller, a hiring manager, or a business partner, they change the whole tone of the negotiation. The good news: a strong response can still save the deal or win you better terms. The 20 responses to a best and final offer below give you the right words for every situation, accepting, pushing back once more, asking for non-price concessions, and walking away with your head high.
Each reply is copy-ready for real estate, salary talks, and business deals. Pick the group that matches your goal, then use the reply that fits. If the number is the sticking point in a job offer, see our guide to responses to a salary negotiation for how to frame your counter before the “final” word comes down.
Why your response to a best and final offer matters
A best and final offer, sometimes written as BAFO, is the other side’s way of ending the back-and-forth. LegalClarity’s guide to responding as a buyer notes that submitting your strongest bid by the deadline matters, since the seller compares every package side by side. The same is true in salary and business deals: your response locks in your final position, and a calm one keeps the door open even if the answer is no.
- It sets your final terms. In real estate your response becomes part of the contract package; in job offers your reply often ends the negotiation.
- It signals your value. Buyers and candidates who respond professionally keep the relationship warm, even when they walk away.
- It protects you from regret. A pause before responding keeps emotion, not panic, from making the decision.
Best responses to a best and final offer
Find your goal below, then copy the reply that fits.
1. Accepting the offer gracefully
When the number works, say so clearly and move fast. These work because they show enthusiasm, confirm the terms, and keep momentum toward closing.
#1 “Thank you, we accept your best and final offer. Please send the updated agreement so we can sign.”
#2 “This works for us. We are ready to move forward, just confirm the closing date and we are set.”
#3 “I appreciate you putting your final number on the table. I accept, and I am looking forward to getting this closed.”
2. Pushing back politely, one last time
“Final” is not always final. These work because they respect the other side’s position while making one clear, reasonable ask backed by data or speed.
#4 “I understand this is your final offer. Based on the market data I have seen, I was hoping for $X, can we meet there?”
#5 “Thank you for being direct. Before I decide, is there any room at all on the price?”
#6 “I respect that this is your best and final. If I can accept today, is there any flexibility on the terms?”
#7 “I hear you. One last question, if we close quickly with no contingencies, would that change the number?”
3. Asking for non-price concessions
When the price will not move, the terms often can. These work because they give the other side a way to say yes without changing their number.
#8 “The price works if we can improve the closing timeline. Could we close by the end of the month?”
#9 “I can accept your final number if you include the home warranty and cover half the closing costs.”
#10 “The salary is fixed, I understand. Could we add a signing bonus or an extra week of vacation instead?”
#11 “If the base cannot move, can we agree to review my compensation after six months based on performance?”
4. Buying yourself time to decide
Never accept or reject a “final” offer on the spot. These work because they are standard, professional, and give you space to run the numbers calmly.
#12 “Thank you for the offer. Can I have 24 hours to review everything before I give you my answer?”
#13 “I appreciate you getting back to me. I need a day to run the numbers, I will have an answer tomorrow.”
#14 “This is a big decision, so I want to think it through properly. May I confirm with you by end of day tomorrow?”
5. Walking away professionally
Sometimes the right move is no deal. These work because they are gracious, keep the door open, and never burn the relationship.
#15 “Thank you for your time. The offer does not work for me, so I will step back, no hard feelings.”
#16 “I respect your position, but I cannot go there. If anything changes, I am happy to talk again.”
#17 “I appreciate the negotiation. At this number I have to walk away, but I wish you well with the deal.”
6. Confirming the deal in writing
Verbal “finals” mean nothing until they are written down. These work because they protect both sides and prevent costly misunderstandings later.
#18 “Great, please send the final terms in writing so we can review and sign today.”
#19 “To avoid any misunderstanding, could you confirm the final offer in an email before we proceed?”
#20 “Agreed. I will sign once I see the written terms, including the closing date and any fees.”
What to avoid when responding
| Avoid this | Try this instead |
|---|---|
| Saying “that is ridiculous” | Say “that is outside my range, here is what works for me” |
| Accepting on the spot under pressure | Ask for 24 hours to review before committing |
| Bluffing about a better offer | Mention competing offers only if they are real |
| Relying on verbal promises only | Get every final term in writing before you sign |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you counter a best and final offer?
Usually yes, but tread carefully. Nothing is binding until a contract is signed, so you can make one more polite ask. Keep it reasonable and be ready to accept the original terms or walk away if the answer is no.
Is a best and final offer legally binding?
Not until both sides sign. The phrase “best and final” carries no legal weight on its own. In real estate you can even withdraw your offer before the seller signs. Always get the final terms in writing before you commit.
Should you walk away from a best and final offer?
Walk away when the number breaks your budget or your floor. Set your walk-away price before the deadline pressure hits. If the “final” offer is above what you can afford, or below what you can accept, declining politely is the strongest move you have.
Final thoughts
A best and final offer is not the end of your power in a negotiation, it is the moment your preparation pays off. Know your walk-away number, make your last ask clearly, and get everything in writing. For more on handling money talks with confidence, see our guides to responses to a price quote and responses to a pay cut.
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