Would you still submit an offer if the listing agent says it’s “too low”?
Most Popular Reply
Denise SuppleeBusiness Member
Realtor · Willow Grove, PA · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 661 votesHi @Ying Tang, If the deal only works at your number, that’s the only number that matters. Many experienced investors still submit a clean, professional offer to anchor value and create a paper trail, especially on longer DOM listings. If it’s truly dead on arrival, they note their price, stay polite, and move on, often those are the first calls they get when motivation changes.
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36 Replies
- Flipper/Rehabber · Bloomfield CT · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 409 votes10mo
Submitting offers that are unlikely to be accepted is a waste of everyone time. This is often done by those hoping to get lucky and show that you may not be capable of effectively analyzing the right price
@James McGovern early this year I sent in an offer at $480k and got rejected (listed at $580k). I just found out it was sold at $475k.
- 10moDenise SuppleeBusiness MemberRealtor · Willow Grove, PA · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 661 votes
Hi @Ying Tang, If the deal only works at your number, that’s the only number that matters. Many experienced investors still submit a clean, professional offer to anchor value and create a paper trail, especially on longer DOM listings. If it’s truly dead on arrival, they note their price, stay polite, and move on, often those are the first calls they get when motivation changes.
Spark Rental Co-Investing Club584 Reviews- 10moCharlotte GoodmanPro MemberMember since 2020 · 63 posts · 31 votes
@Denise Supplee What does DOM mean?
- Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes10mo
Quote from @Denise Supplee
DOM = Days On Market - people selling their home have the belief it should sell immediately, after all, they bought it didn't they? They don't realize that 6 months was normal amount of time when I started out (more than a few years ago) now everybody is convinced it should be two weeks to thirty days.
- Investor · Clairemont, CA · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes10mo
This really comes down to what kind of low offer you're making. A nice house that an OO buyer would very likely purchase with higher DOM, but probably priced 5% too high and you want to offer an 'investor' 30% below list...I think is a waste of time, we all know that seller should wait for another offer. But a dated home that needs $35K, maybe it has some distress and a seller that is pricing it like a market ready home? Sure I'd submit the real offer, and maybe they come back when the timing and motivation are right.
- 10moMason WeissBusiness MemberRealtor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2021 · 524 posts · 241 votes
I would still write the offer. You can do it quickly and it does force the conversation. I have always found that once pen gets to paper, you get more from the seller and their agent even if both parties are still too far apart to make a deal happen.
- 10moKenneth GarrettPro MemberInvestor · Florida Panhandle/Illinois · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
@Ying Tang
The longer the DOM the better chance of having a real conversation with the seller. It’s all about motivation of the seller. Our number is our number. If the deal doesn’t work then it doesn’t work. This is why list prices are meaningless to an investor. It only matters whether the investment is worth it. Sometimes we can find some middle ground with a low offer, but it always goes back to seller motivation and investor interest.
Some agents don’t want to make very low ball offers. Sometimes it helps if agents start the conversation as the listing agent generally knows where the seller stands on things, but time changes peoples perspectives as well. Estate sales v owner occupied are two very different motivations. Add in distress and you have a chance at making a deal.
@Kenneth Garrett Thank you! I think my offer is very reasonable which is backed by appraisal of a similar property. It's just 10% off the listing price. Yet seller agent stopped replying to me after I told her about the amount I wish to offer. I guess it's still worthwhile submitting it.
- Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes10mo
Quote from @Ying Tang:
@Kenneth Garrett Thank you! I think my offer is very reasonable which is backed by appraisal of a similar property. It's just 10% off the listing price. Yet seller agent stopped replying to me after I told her about the amount I wish to offer. I guess it's still worthwhile submitting it.
It's the listings agents job to look out for the best interest of the seller. They also got the job, because they promised to sell it for a good price, asking them to write a low offer will mike them bite their own tonge off. Your agents job is to get you the best deal, that also means that the listing agent can present it without looking like a fool, because they did not write it.
A very common misconception is that if you don't have a buyers agent the seller saves comission. That is not how it works. If the buyer is unrepresented the listing agents gets both ends of the comission, no benefit to the seller.
And the seller is probably not happy that the listing agent makes out like a bandit, while the seller is dropping their pants. Fine a good buyers agent and make the offer!
Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
Quote from @Ying Tang:
@Kenneth Garrett Thank you! I think my offer is very reasonable which is backed by appraisal of a similar property. It's just 10% off the listing price. Yet seller agent stopped replying to me after I told her about the amount I wish to offer. I guess it's still worthwhile submitting it.
It's the listings agents job to look out for the best interest of the seller. They also got the job, because they promised to sell it for a good price, asking them to write a low offer will mike them bite their own tonge off. Your agents job is to get you the best deal, that also means that the listing agent can present it without looking like a fool, because they did not write it.
A very common misconception is that if you don't have a buyers agent the seller saves comission. That is not how it works. If the buyer is unrepresented the listing agents gets both ends of the comission, no benefit to the seller.
And the seller is probably not happy that the listing agent makes out like a bandit, while the seller is dropping their pants. Fine a good buyers agent and make the offer!
The other side of that coin is buyer's agents don't like to make offers that are relatively deep OTM(to them). Then if we classify "good" buyer's agent, that's 1 in 1000. Most are apprehensive to spending time with them submitting low ball offers.
Best thing to do is get that state's real estate contract. Hire a lawyer for a flat fee to walk you through the offer submission process for the first 3-5 offers until you got the hang. When you submit an offer, write in the provision that your offer reflects the seller's agent does not get both commissions and that the price is reflecting just the seller paying his own agent but saving on not paying for one with me.
And absolutely submit OTM one's. I have had over 50 call backs just this month alone on offers from mid 2023 to top of this year. The delusion is fading, it's all am I still interested? I don't know am I?
Other rule of thumb is never leave the deal dead on your side. If it's listed at $580k and you're $420k, and they think it's egregious. Just let them know if they change their mind, you can look again and re-assess. But once they respond with egregious just tell them the offer is no longer valid(obviously you put an expiration on the offer too). And to keep in touch, if it's still listed 6 months later--reach out.
Before someone says, these are a waste of time. Of those 50+, at least half of them, are from calls from mid to end of 2023 where they were listed at $600k+, now are offered $450k+ asking if my $400-420k is still good. This is with cycling through 3 agents and re-listing/de-listing for over the last 2 years +. I've had one that was $1.2 in Feb of 2024 that I submitted $700k ask me if I could get to $900k on Wednesday. I told them I am no longer even at $700k, but if you need to me to show something let me know. I can write them up something after the holidays, or if it's urgent then prior. They said it's urgent. Showed $565k, they said that would make them underwater. I said no problem, it's valid till December 23rd.
I am not here to bail anyone out at their mess, I am here to service myself. Just like when that agent though my offer was "egregious", their job is to service their customer. This is a zero-sum game, anybody that tells you their is a win-win to convince you to do the deal; you're the sucker.
Also, pass on FOMO, been through too many cycles and too many trading adventures to understand FOMO is real but you need to emotionally work past it. Harder said than done. Just realize this, if that $600k that got listed in Sep 2023 ends up selling in February 2026 for $430k cause someone beat my offer by $10-20k, so be it. It still prints on the MLS, it's still a function for appraisals. The next deal now has to use that as a benchmark.
The market always markets.- Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes10mo
Quote from @V.G Jason:
Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
Quote from @Ying Tang:
@Kenneth Garrett Thank you! I think my offer is very reasonable which is backed by appraisal of a similar property. It's just 10% off the listing price. Yet seller agent stopped replying to me after I told her about the amount I wish to offer. I guess it's still worthwhile submitting it.
It's the listings agents job to look out for the best interest of the seller. They also got the job, because they promised to sell it for a good price, asking them to write a low offer will mike them bite their own tonge off. Your agents job is to get you the best deal, that also means that the listing agent can present it without looking like a fool, because they did not write it.
A very common misconception is that if you don't have a buyers agent the seller saves comission. That is not how it works. If the buyer is unrepresented the listing agents gets both ends of the comission, no benefit to the seller.
And the seller is probably not happy that the listing agent makes out like a bandit, while the seller is dropping their pants. Fine a good buyers agent and make the offer!
The other side of that coin is buyer's agents don't like to make offers that are relatively deep OTM(to them). Then if we classify "good" buyer's agent, that's 1 in 1000. Most are apprehensive to spending time with them submitting low ball offers.
Best thing to do is get that state's real estate contract. Hire a lawyer for a flat fee to walk you through the offer submission process for the first 3-5 offers until you got the hang. When you submit an offer, write in the provision that your offer reflects the seller's agent does not get both commissions and that the price is reflecting just the seller paying his own agent but saving on not paying for one with me.
And absolutely submit OTM one's. I have had over 50 call backs just this month alone on offers from mid 2023 to top of this year. The delusion is fading, it's all am I still interested? I don't know am I?
Other rule of thumb is never leave the deal dead on your side. If it's listed at $580k and you're $420k, and they think it's egregious. Just let them know if they change their mind, you can look again and re-assess. But once they respond with egregious just tell them the offer is no longer valid(obviously you put an expiration on the offer too). And to keep in touch, if it's still listed 6 months later--reach out.
Before someone says, these are a waste of time. Of those 50+, at least half of them, are from calls from mid to end of 2023 where they were listed at $600k+, now are offered $450k+ asking if my $400-420k is still good. This is with cycling through 3 agents and re-listing/de-listing for over the last 2 years +. I've had one that was $1.2 in Feb of 2024 that I submitted $700k ask me if I could get to $900k on Wednesday. I told them I am no longer even at $700k, but if you need to me to show something let me know. I can write them up something after the holidays, or if it's urgent then prior. They said it's urgent. Showed $565k, they said that would make them underwater. I said no problem, it's valid till December 23rd.
I am not here to bail anyone out at their mess, I am here to service myself. Just like when that agent though my offer was "egregious", their job is to service their customer. This is a zero-sum game, anybody that tells you their is a win-win to convince you to do the deal; you're the sucker.
Also, pass on FOMO, been through too many cycles and too many trading adventures to understand FOMO is real but you need to emotionally work past it. Harder said than done. Just realize this, if that $600k that got listed in Sep 2023 ends up selling in February 2026 for $430k cause someone beat my offer by $10-20k, so be it. It still prints on the MLS, it's still a function for appraisals. The next deal now has to use that as a benchmark.
The market always markets.Yes, absolutley. I did something similar for 6 or 7 years before I got licensed: I had an experienced agent, but did not want to burn him out, so I deliberatly avoided consuming his time for low value tasks.
I did my own drive-by's, showings only if i already liked everything else and that was more an inspection than a showing (to assess if my rehab budget was adequate), then I would send his assistant a standadized block of terms for the offer, she's submit and I'd only talk to the agent when it came to counter offers or when things got complicated.
The reason I did that was because the guy has a TON of experience as an agent and as a builder, that I did not have back in 2008. So I only pulled him in, when I needed his experience. My offers were typically between 10 and 20% below list price - that was also a different time.
The biggest rub were showings for sure, finding time that worked for both of us. And that was ultimatly the reason I got licensed eventually, so I could let myself in. I have always seen it this way: the biggest asset an agent can bring is street experience. 90% of what agents do is relativley easy, it's when things go sideways you need someone with experience. (I work with luxury clients and most of my energy is spent dealing with their neuroses, the actual work is the easy part). I think the DIY approach can be dangerous, I think one should either work with a rockstar agent, or just get licensed so you know what the heck you are doing and also have a broker to ask.
What State are you in that you can stipulate comission in an offer?
In Wisconsin the listing agreement (between the brokerage and the seller) stipulates total comission, say 6%. An offer, regardless what buyer and seller agree, can not alter what the contract between seller and broker stipulates, that is a seperate contract). This is one of the biggest myths out there that you can save money by working with the listing agent, they just keep the full 6%. And sellers don't like taking a bath financially and their agent making out double.
Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
Quote from @V.G Jason:
Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:
Quote from @Ying Tang:
@Kenneth Garrett Thank you! I think my offer is very reasonable which is backed by appraisal of a similar property. It's just 10% off the listing price. Yet seller agent stopped replying to me after I told her about the amount I wish to offer. I guess it's still worthwhile submitting it.
It's the listings agents job to look out for the best interest of the seller. They also got the job, because they promised to sell it for a good price, asking them to write a low offer will mike them bite their own tonge off. Your agents job is to get you the best deal, that also means that the listing agent can present it without looking like a fool, because they did not write it.
A very common misconception is that if you don't have a buyers agent the seller saves comission. That is not how it works. If the buyer is unrepresented the listing agents gets both ends of the comission, no benefit to the seller.
And the seller is probably not happy that the listing agent makes out like a bandit, while the seller is dropping their pants. Fine a good buyers agent and make the offer!
The other side of that coin is buyer's agents don't like to make offers that are relatively deep OTM(to them). Then if we classify "good" buyer's agent, that's 1 in 1000. Most are apprehensive to spending time with them submitting low ball offers.
Best thing to do is get that state's real estate contract. Hire a lawyer for a flat fee to walk you through the offer submission process for the first 3-5 offers until you got the hang. When you submit an offer, write in the provision that your offer reflects the seller's agent does not get both commissions and that the price is reflecting just the seller paying his own agent but saving on not paying for one with me.
And absolutely submit OTM one's. I have had over 50 call backs just this month alone on offers from mid 2023 to top of this year. The delusion is fading, it's all am I still interested? I don't know am I?
Other rule of thumb is never leave the deal dead on your side. If it's listed at $580k and you're $420k, and they think it's egregious. Just let them know if they change their mind, you can look again and re-assess. But once they respond with egregious just tell them the offer is no longer valid(obviously you put an expiration on the offer too). And to keep in touch, if it's still listed 6 months later--reach out.
Before someone says, these are a waste of time. Of those 50+, at least half of them, are from calls from mid to end of 2023 where they were listed at $600k+, now are offered $450k+ asking if my $400-420k is still good. This is with cycling through 3 agents and re-listing/de-listing for over the last 2 years +. I've had one that was $1.2 in Feb of 2024 that I submitted $700k ask me if I could get to $900k on Wednesday. I told them I am no longer even at $700k, but if you need to me to show something let me know. I can write them up something after the holidays, or if it's urgent then prior. They said it's urgent. Showed $565k, they said that would make them underwater. I said no problem, it's valid till December 23rd.
I am not here to bail anyone out at their mess, I am here to service myself. Just like when that agent though my offer was "egregious", their job is to service their customer. This is a zero-sum game, anybody that tells you their is a win-win to convince you to do the deal; you're the sucker.
Also, pass on FOMO, been through too many cycles and too many trading adventures to understand FOMO is real but you need to emotionally work past it. Harder said than done. Just realize this, if that $600k that got listed in Sep 2023 ends up selling in February 2026 for $430k cause someone beat my offer by $10-20k, so be it. It still prints on the MLS, it's still a function for appraisals. The next deal now has to use that as a benchmark.
The market always markets.Yes, absolutley. I did something similar for 6 or 7 years before I got licensed: I had an experienced agent, but did not want to burn him out, so I deliberatly avoided consuming his time for low value tasks.
I did my own drive-by's, showings only if i already liked everything else and that was more an inspection than a showing (to assess if my rehab budget was adequate), then I would send his assistant a standadized block of terms for the offer, she's submit and I'd only talk to the agent when it came to counter offers or when things got complicated.
The reason I did that was because the guy has a TON of experience as an agent and as a builder, that I did not have back in 2008. So I only pulled him in, when I needed his experience. My offers were typically between 10 and 20% below list price - that was also a different time.
The biggest rub were showings for sure, finding time that worked for both of us. And that was ultimatly the reason I got licensed eventually, so I could let myself in. I have always seen it this way: the biggest asset an agent can bring is street experience. 90% of what agents do is relativley easy, it's when things go sideways you need someone with experience. (I work with luxury clients and most of my energy is spent dealing with their neuroses, the actual work is the easy part). I think the DIY approach can be dangerous, I think one should either work with a rockstar agent, or just get licensed so you know what the heck you are doing and also have a broker to ask.
What State are you in that you can stipulate comission in an offer?
In Wisconsin the listing agreement (between the brokerage and the seller) stipulates total comission, say 6%. An offer, regardless what buyer and seller agree, can not alter what the contract between seller and broker stipulates, that is a seperate contract). This is one of the biggest myths out there that you can save money by working with the listing agent, they just keep the full 6%. And sellers don't like taking a bath financially and their agent making out double.
Right now, mainly Austin contracts and the TREC is pretty solid for that.
However, I do this in almost every state I am in. Our offer represents a reduced commission and we verbalize that to the seller. Our offer doesn't state they need to change their agreement with the listing agent--- I cannot force that.
If they agree to my offer, it's up to them how they get it done. Re-negotiate with their agent, offer seller credits, but our number does not increase to get their agent paid from our side. My offer usually accounts for small lawyer fee in case some states make it more difficult and I need to engage in one.
I would just say in every contract we've closed, they've re-negotiated with their agent from what I have been told or know, of and can see in the CDs. Quite a few have gotten their commission go from 2.5% to 3% or half percent higher than originally stated, but obviously not 5-6% as they would without those caveats. All sides are incentivized usually to get a deal done.
- 10moDon KonipolBusiness MemberInvestor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votesReally depends on expertise, knowledge and experience of the agent. Some (usually newer) agents think anything more than 2% below asking price is “too low”. Others do have (or at least think they do) knowledge of the sellers position. Sometimes the seller’s agent has represented that they can get a higher than market price to obtain the listing and don’t want to “shock” the seller into reality early in the listing agreement.
Quote from @Ying Tang:
Curious how others handle this in practice.
If you’re interested in a property and the numbers only work at a certain price, but the listing agent tells you upfront that the seller won’t accept anything that low, do you:
- Still submit a formal written offer anyway?
- Or hold off and wait for pricing/motivation to change?
On one hand, a written offer forces a real conversation with the seller and creates a paper trail. On the other, it can strain relationships or feel like wasted effort if rejection is guaranteed.
Would love to hear how experienced investors and agents approach this, especially in longer DOM situations.
Of course a lot depends on the market conditions. I recently purchased a property in Avon, Connecticut where listings are purposely priced 15% below market, bids are due Sunday at 5 after the open house, and any quality property gets 5 offers of more with no contingencies and a quick closing. On the other hand I was buying with two fists in the 2011- 2012 Phoenix market purchasing properties that sold in 2005 for $500,000+ and paying $150,000.@Don Konipol That makes sense, thank you for sharing. I’m still learning how much weight to put on the listing agent’s feedback versus just putting an offer in and letting the seller react. Sounds like market context and agent experience really drive the outcome.
- Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes10moI never offer full price. I just don't. The seller has agendas they don't tell the agent. Now, getting the agent to present the offer to the seller is a different matter. That takes a little creative thinking.
Quote from @Ying Tang:
Curious how others handle this in practice.
If you’re interested in a property and the numbers only work at a certain price, but the listing agent tells you upfront that the seller won’t accept anything that low, do you:
- Still submit a formal written offer anyway?
- Or hold off and wait for pricing/motivation to change?
On one hand, a written offer forces a real conversation with the seller and creates a paper trail. On the other, it can strain relationships or feel like wasted effort if rejection is guaranteed.
Would love to hear how experienced investors and agents approach this, especially in longer DOM situations.
- 10moBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
Depends on too many variables. How low is too low? I've had sellers get very angry when I offered too low (in their opinion). Others just take the deal if they're tired of dealing with the property.
So it depends on: 1) The Seller and their motivation(s) 2) The Real Estate agent, 3) The property itself....how desirable is it?, 4) Days on Market, 5) You, the buyer - how badly do you want it? Do you see potential no one else sees?
But ultimately, it's YOUR MONEY...you offer what ever you feel is going to work FOR YOU. If one Realtor won't do it, find another...or do it yourself...!
@Bruce Woodruff Thanks for laying this out. I’m still trying to learn how experienced investors read seller motivation and decide when it’s worth pushing versus just walking away.
- Realtor · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2017 · 66 posts · 36 votes10mo
There are few downsides, outside of the perceived "waste of time."
I've found that oftentimes listing agents aren't 100% aligned with their sellers on pricing and motivation, and presenting a formal offer is how you truly get the best sense of where things stand.
If the home IS overpriced for the market, the sellers/listing agent will come back to you when they have that realization.Thank you and Agreed. A formal offer is often the clearest way to understand true pricing and motivation. It removes assumptions and lets everyone react to real terms rather than hypotheticals.
- 10moSeth McGatheyBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Milwaukee WI · Member since 2024 · 321 posts · 255 votes
I always tell my clients that I am fine submitting offers at any price that the numbers justify. If you feel that price is justified, send it and if you can, show them your reasons. And keep in mind, that agent is required to share your offer. So don't let them scare you off.
Seth McGathey - Shorewest Realtor4.914 Reviews Hi Ying in Phoenix, Arizona-
Great question! You asked if you would submit a written offer if the listing agent says the offer is too low and seller will not accept it.
Personally, the property needs to be priced well or there needs to be seller motivation.
In general, we never offer asking price unless the value is supported and there are other known competing offers. If a property goes multiple offers without ours being accepted, we would advise our client to move on because someone will overpay in that situation.
We offer less than asking with a verbal offer. Then, once the outline of the verbal is accepted, we write it up. This saves a lot of time and we can focus on the sellers who want to make a deal.
Once our initial written offer is accepted, we have it thoroughly inspected and usually negotiate a second price reduction or seller concessions as a result.
This gives our buyers the best equity position possible and is the process for our investor and non-investor, retail buyers. It works!
To Your Success!
Thank you for sharing your process — this was really helpful. And I appreciate you taking the time to explain how you handle these situations.
- Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes10mo
If the property has been sitting always send it even if list agent says too low, I have gotten some of these way down before and you can try to get a counter to negotiate. If its a new listing though and you are in a hot market it is a waste of everyones time. I explain to clients before the search how the market is and usually advise them on their offer price for each place.
- 10moRyan SpathBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Boise, ID · Member since 2017 · 585 posts · 380 votes
@Ying Tang
In practice, it really comes down to market context, days on market, and communication. This is where an agent with strong communication skills can make a meaningful difference. Often, if a property has been sitting on the market longer than average, there is more openness to a lower offer or additional concessions—even if the listing agent initially says the seller won’t go that low. For example, in the Treasure Valley right now we’re sitting at roughly two months of inventory with an average days on market around 37. Each price point has its own data, but if a property has just been listed and you come in aggressively, it’s hard to predict how that will be received and it may simply be too early. However, if a property has been on the market 50+ days while the average is 37, that often creates more room for a productive conversation around pricing or terms. In those cases, submitting a written offer can be valuable because it forces a real discussion, provides concrete feedback, and establishes you as a serious buyer. When the buyer’s agent can have thoughtful, professional conversations with the listing agent and uncover the seller’s true motivation—timeline, prior offers, pressure points—it becomes much easier to determine whether waiting makes sense or whether putting something in writing is the right move. In my experience, many deals that ultimately work start with an initial “no” and only come together once time and motivation align.That makes sense. Thank you! From what I’m learning, it really seems to come down to market context, days on market, and good communication. In some cases, a written offer can help create clarity and start a more productive conversation, especially as time and motivation change. Appreciate you sharing your experience.
- Realtor · Hanover Twp, PA · Member since 2018 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes10mo
There are MANY reasons to submit offers that are likely to get rejected. I'll give one fairly common scenario.
An estate selling the property of their deceased loved one. Its COMMON in this type of circumstance that there are multiple decision makers. Even if only 1 or 2 people are executor/executrix they will often consult other heirs on EVERY decision! Many times these people have different personalities, interests, and agendas. Also, many times there are somewhat strained relationships between these people.
So, when you submit each offer it FORCES them to talk. You can keep submitting offers over and OVER especially if they counter. Each time it forces discussion between those people eventually wearing them down.
As an agent, I have seem low offers get negotiated through many iterations and VERY little change/movement until the sellers side conceded a LOT and the deal comes together.
This is but one scenario where submitting low offers can have a purpose. There is potentially a lot of psychology to negotiation especially if you can gain any insight into the seller's motivations, interests and dynamic.
- Severna Park, MD · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes10mo
Cars , equipment , houses , anything I buy on the used market I always bid low . Its my money , they need to sell , I dont need to buy . I dont care if I insult someone . You dont like my offer , dont accept it , you can counter and if it works for me , we may do business .
If my agent ever told me my offer was too low and they wouldnt submit it , they are done on the spot .
- Real Estate Broker · Madison, WI · Member since 2015 · 118 posts · 60 votes10mo
If there are competing offers on the table, it probably isn't worth the time, but if the property has been sitting on the market don't see any harm. The listing agent will present it and if the sellers choose to reject or ignore it and not respond formally at all, at least they know the range you are seriously interested in, and may revive negotiations down the road.
As Marcus said, if you use the same typical offer terms/contingencies, can pretty quickly adjust the address and price and sign electronically and get an Offer off without much trouble.
I'm in Madison, WI and although we still have low inventory, it is better than prior years and buyers are getting some leverage back with inspections getting more common, having a few days to think about things and offers starting to more often come in below list price rather than a debate of how far above list price to go.
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