| Tips on How to Handle Low-Ball OffersIf you've had | | | | similar houses. |
| your home on the market for months (three to six), | | | | - Negotiate!: Keep the conversation alive with the |
| and you've dropped the price already, you are | | | | buyer for as long as you can. Give up a little bit at a |
| probably beginning to wonder how much lower you | | | | time. Also, use a lot of complements about the offer, |
| can go. Well, someone may offer a low-ball offer, | | | | the buyers and the agent. It helps keep things civil! |
| which can be 10 percent or more below the list price | | | | Remember, if the offer is too low, always counter; |
| and involves some sort of strategic negotiations. | | | | don't walk away. Sometimes buyers want to test the |
| Before slamming the door on this offer, here are some | | | | water. |
| helpful tips from Coldwell Banker Real Estate | | | | - Work together: Ensure the buyer agent and his |
| Corporation to help guide you through the process: | | | | clients are aware that you want to work with them. If |
| - Don't reject the offer right away: It is important that | | | | you have been waiting this long to sell your house, |
| you recognize that this is a negotiation game and the | | | | what are another few days or weeks? Keep |
| buyer is serious or he wouldn't have made an offer. | | | | everyone engaged in the process to get your goals |
| - Analyze your own goals and needs: How much do | | | | met - and on your way to your new home. |
| you need to come out of this deal in order to move to | | | | - Offer your final counter: Make your final offer and |
| your next home? What are you going to counter? | | | | stick with it. Keep in mind that you don't want to be too |
| - Conduct a comparative analysis: Check the | | | | stubborn that you lose the buyer because of $2,000 or |
| temperature of the marketplace. What has happened | | | | so. |
| in the housing market recently to get this buyer to | | | | - Be patient with the process: Understand this process |
| make this type of offer? Also, take stock of the | | | | takes time and both the buyer and seller want to meet |
| present inventory in your neighborhood and how they | | | | their goals. By taking the time to work together, you |
| are priced comparatively. It is important to recognize | | | | can arrive at a deal that is a good compromise for |
| that your home may be priced too high compared to | | | | both the buyer and seller. |