Saskatoon’s Real Estate Market is Moving Fast—Here’s Why “Presentation of Offers” Could Be Your Best Strategy

The Saskatoon and area residential real estate market is hotter than ever. Homes are selling fast, and inventory is at an all-time low. As a result, sellers and their agents are being challenged to think strategically about how to navigate the pace while still maximizing sale prices.

The Traditional “First Come, First Serve” Approach

Historically, Saskatoon has operated on a “first good offer wins” model. In this scenario, sellers often accept the first strong offer they receive without necessarily giving other interested buyers the opportunity to view or bid on the home. While this method works in some cases, it may not always yield the best outcome—especially in today’s competitive market.

When inventory is low and demand is high, a well-marketed home can generate substantial interest. That’s where strategic offer presentation comes in, and why Form 917—Direction Regarding Offer Presentation—is becoming more widely used among savvy sellers.

What is Form 917?

Form 917 is an official document developed by the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association (SRA). It outlines the seller’s instructions for how and when offers on a property will be presented, helping to create a level playing field for all interested buyers while protecting the seller’s best interests.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Mandatory Disclosure to the SRA

Once the seller signs Form 917, the listing brokerage is required to notify the SRA immediately. This information is then included in the MLS® listing comments so all REALTORS® and buyers are aware of the offer presentation timeline.

2. Irrevocable Instructions

The seller provides written, irrevocable direction stating that no offers will be presented before a specific date and time. This is non-negotiable and must be adhered to by the listing brokerage.

3. Delay of Offer Notifications

Even if offers come in early—whether they meet or exceed the asking price, or contain short irrevocable deadlines—they cannot be presented or disclosed to the seller until the designated date and time outlined in Form 917.

4. It’s Not a Cancellation

This directive does not cancel or change the existing MLS® Listing Agreement. It simply guides how offers will be managed while keeping the rest of the listing agreement intact.

Why Consider Presentation of Offers?

Using a presentation of offers strategy gives your listing time to breathe. It ensures that:

• Buyers have a fair chance to view the property
  
  

• Your home gets proper market exposure
  
  

• Open houses can be hosted without rushing into a decision
  
  

• All interested parties can prepare their best offers
  
  

In turn, this increases your chances of receiving multiple offers, potentially over asking price, and puts you in a better position to negotiate favorable terms.

Final Thoughts

In today’s fast-paced market, strategic selling can make a significant difference. If you're thinking about listing your home, or if you're curious about whether a presentation of offers strategy might be right for you, I’d be happy to walk you through the process.

Feel free to reach out with any questions about the Saskatoon market or to learn more about how we can tailor a selling strategy that fits your goals. Contact Me.