I don't "do" anything...it's up to the seller to determine how to negotiate further with input from me. And it's impossible to generalize a response... every situation is unique.

You can't go back willy-nilly with full escalation price if you want to keep your license! The buyers can ask to see the Offer they were to 'beat' with their clause after the sale. You have to abide by the escalation clause. If they say they will got $1K above your highest bidder, then that's as high as your seller responds.

As well, it's really up to your Sellers as to whether or not they want to go back to the buyer with the EC, responding with the amount over your other highest bidder or ask the buyers to state a specific price.

Discuss with seller who has the ultimate decision.   Why is this an anonymously asked question?

  Present the offer to the Seller.  Discuss their options.  Let the Seller decide.

  Remember that a counteroffer is a rejection.  

Seller's decision.  I present offer and give them their options.  I've had sellers reject escalation offers because of other terms.  It's a seller decision, not an agent's.

It's not up to the agent but it's the client's decision, but lay everything on the table so client knows his/her options and possibilities.

I agree with Tammy Lankford, 150% 

it's the decision of the seller.... give the seller the options and let the seller decide.... go back with exactly what the seller requests....

Seller's decision obviously, but as to what I'd recommend really depends on the other offers. 

The home seller will make the decision. Follow the advice of your broker in these situations.

I have never received an offer like this in 28 years.

Not enough info, seller's choice.

FYI: typically you can't max an esc. clse. They are always X above highest.

What does your broker say--and what does your seller want?

This question needs to be posed to somebody with direct knowledge. The answers you'll get here will confuse at best and could even mislead.

I can however give you lucky lottery numbers. Just messing with you. 👿💰💰

Good luck though, this sounds like a pretty good problem to have, indeedie!

It's a matter of semantics at this point. Your Seller is the final word. 

What does your seller want to do?

Is the escalation clause maximum the highest amount that you have received? Are the other terms of that offer attractive compared to other offers received? If so, I think that I would advise the seller to counter that buyer at that max figure. You could do the same to the other buyers at the figure despite having submitted their “highest and best” offers because they may be able to stretch a little more for their special house.

On the other hand, if you are seeking advice here that you are actually going to use in real life...maybe you need help from your broker, mentor or senior agent at your agency.

We have had this scenario before and the escalation clause topped all other offers.  It was the highest and best and our buyer got the home.

In Texas we are not allowed to use escalation clauses, so I would tell my client to speak to an a real estate attorney.

Talk to your broker.  If you an agent in my brokerage I would want you to come to me anything you doubted what to do.  Anything we do not know, that we are expected to know, needs our broker's input ... or in some cases, seek legal advice.  

It was already posted by one of your classmates.

When a LISTING states, 'highest & best' the meaning of the term equals ZERO.

The concept behind Highest & Best should be shared with those known to be responsible with such information. Anonymous does not qualify as that person.

Why would you work against your sellers best interests? Let them kill themselves beating each other!

Debe Maxwell I agree with.

 That’s not what our escalation clause says in the small print so I would not do that ...

The escalation is what it is, as to how high it is will depend on the other offers on the table.

Agree with all answers. 

Great answers are here. Good luck. 

An offer with an escalation clause is not their highest and best.  You and your sellers call as to how to handle this.

Nina Hollander nailed this one!

You have excellent answers. A

Is it the best offer...then go with it. Get their proof of funds/speak with their lender to insure they can purchase at the EC price and get the house sold.

In the end, it is up to the sellers to decide what they want to accept.

It is not my decision only to present and explain what is not understood

Many great responses.

What does your seller want to do?

Check the edcalation claue - and if I were the listing agent,,,,,,