What’s the Deal with Bully Offers in Ottawa Real Estate?

Apr 15

If you’ve been browsing homes in Ottawa recently, you may have heard your agent mention something called a “bully offer.” It’s not as aggressive as it sounds—but it can be a high-stakes move, especially in a hot market. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding how bully offers work can help you stay competitive and make smart decisions.

What Is a Bully Offer?

A bully offer (also called a pre-emptive offer) happens when a buyer submits an offer before the seller’s official offer date, hoping to “jump the line” and secure the property early. It’s often over asking price and comes with tight deadlines to pressure the seller to accept quickly—sometimes within just a few hours.

For example: A seller lists a home on Monday with instructions that all offers will be reviewed the following Monday. But on Wednesday, a buyer sends in a strong offer that expires in five hours. The seller has a choice: accept the bully offer now, or wait and risk missing out on a potentially better deal later.

Why Would a Buyer Submit a Bully Offer?

🏃 To avoid competition. If a property is popular, a buyer may try to avoid bidding wars.
💰 To lock it down fast. A strong early offer can tempt sellers to skip offer night entirely.
🧠 Strategic timing. Some buyers use bully offers to catch sellers off guard before they’ve had time to drum up interest.

Should Sellers Accept a Bully Offer?

It depends. A bully offer can be tempting—especially if it’s well above asking and has few conditions—but accepting one too early could mean missing out on even stronger offers. Here are some questions to ask:

Is the offer firm and over asking?
Have enough buyers had time to see the home?
Is the timeline fair, or is it designed to rush you?

In Ontario, if a seller decides to review a bully offer, their agent must notify everyone who has expressed interest—so be prepared for a flurry of activity if this happens.

How Buyers Can Navigate Bully Offers

If you’re buying in a competitive Ottawa neighbourhood like Westboro, The Glebe, or Old Ottawa South, bully offers might be part of the game. Here’s how to play it smart:

Be ready to move fast. Have your financing, deposit, and home inspection (if possible) lined up ahead of time.
Work with a proactive agent. They’ll help you identify properties where a bully offer might work—and craft one that gets accepted.
Don’t overextend. Bully offers often require you to go in firm and above asking. Make sure it still fits your budget and comfort level.

Final Thoughts

Bully offers are legal and common in Ottawa real estate, but they’re not for everyone. For sellers, it’s about weighing certainty now vs. potential later. For buyers, it’s about speed, strategy, and knowing when to make your move.

At New Purveyors, we help our clients navigate these decisions with clarity, confidence, and smart strategy—so you don’t get pushed around by the market.