Since REALTORS use the same contract, is the only variable the amount I’m offering to pay for the home?

Not all offers are created equal! The statewide contract we as REALTORS use is proprietary. If you write an offer and just use the default options of the contract, that is fine. But in the current competitive market, using defaults can be the tipping point in losing your dream home.

There are many layers to an offer and how a seller evaluates it including deadlines, exit strategies, additional fees, etc. There are certain aspects to a contract that I always recommend my clients change rather than using the default because it makes their offer more appealing to a seller. I also recommend countering on the same points when my seller gets an offer if it comes in with the defaults.

Most people think they should just give them the list price they’re asking for. I've had multiple situations where going over by just $200 was the difference in my buyers winning a bidding war because the next highest offer was for the list price on the dot. It is my job to be the buyers’ advocate and advise them on how to make their offer/contract as competitive and appealing as possible, and ultimately, how to get to the closing table.

People often ask me why I enjoy what I do and my answer is always the same. Besides helping my clients, I love getting to be creative to make deals work and give my clients a competitive edge. Plus, I don’t really do well with hearing “no”. To me “no” just means we haven't found the right solution yet.

Meet the Expert

Whether representing the buyer or seller, Jeanna Callahan focuses on writing competitive offers and being a fierce negotiator, while working tirelessly on behalf of her clients. Callahan uses her network of professionals, understanding of current market values, knowledge of how various loan types function to help get her clients to the closing table. Callahan views her role in the process not as a sales person but rather a negotiator and problem solver.

Callahan has the following awards, accolades, and achievements:

Century 21 International Production Awards
• Top 3 Agents in Missouri – 2019  
• Top Agent in Springfield Metropolitan Area – 2019, 2017, 2013, 2012
• Diamond Award for Production – 2016-2020 
• Masters Award for Production – 2014 & 2015
• Emerald Award for Production – 2013
• Ruby Award for Production – 2012 

Century 21 Pinnacle Quality Service Award – 2012-2017 



Founder & President – Killuminati Foundation 2008 – Present


Women’s Council of Realtors Member – 2011 – Present


Springfield Professionals Leadership Team – 2011 – Present 

Most Influential Women, Springfield Business Journal – 2020 


Director of Education & Programs – 2018

President of Women's Council of Realtors of Southwest Missouri – 2017  


Featured in Be the Boss Magazine – 2011   


417 Magazine's Top 20 Under 30 – 2010 

Springfield Business Journal's Entrepreneur of the Year Honoree – 2009 

Callahan grew up in the northwest Chicago suburbs and moved to the Springfield area in 1999. She is a Missouri State University graduate and started her career as a recruiting director staffing a site achieving $100+ million in annual sales.

In 2008 she started Killuminati Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit offering veterinary assistance to dogs and their families in Missouri. The organization also partners with rescue groups to promote adoption and the importance of spay/neuter.