First Wholesale Deal- So Close Yet so far

Developer · Chicago · Member since 2025 · 111 posts · 103 votes

Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.

I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.

For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.

Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.

5 Reply

73 views

Most Popular Reply

Steve K.

Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes

Assuming you are in Illinois and the deal is as well, I believe you can only do one wholesale deal per year there legally (without a license) so I would make sure it's a good one. Just some food for thought. Also it sounds like this property is listed on the MLS? If so it's a bit more challenging to wholesale MLS deals because most listing agents are wary of assignable contracts and will sniff out wholesalers if they don't have the ability to close and could end up jerking their seller around, tying up the property, and not closing. Also there aren't that many deals on the MLS with enough of a spread to work in a decent assignment fee (which seems to be the case with this one). I'd focus on generating off-market leads with healthier spreads instead. Also one other thing I noticed is that 60 days on market isn't actually terribly long. It's about average actually, so the seller may not be motivated enough yet to take an offer that is 14% lower than their asking price and also has an assign ability clause in it. I would advise my seller to lower their price a little bit and look for a real offer first. Are you dealing with the listing agent or the seller directly here (assuming it is listed with an agent, it wasn't clear in your post but because you said "on the market" that's what it sounds like…).

5 Reply

See this reply in the discussion

28 Replies

Jump to latestLatest

Sort by

Katie Smith
Member since 2023 · 347 posts · 190 votes
1y
Hi Eshe!
I work with quite a few wholesalers, and I completely understand that having to adjust your assignment fee isn't ideal. However, if it’s the difference between winning or losing the deal, a small adjustment is almost always better than losing it altogether! Flexibility can often be the key to closing more deals in this market.

Out of curiosity — do you have a preferred hard money lender that you recommend to your buyers? It's crucial that buyers work with investor-friendly lenders who not only offer competitive terms but also have the ability to close on time without any last-minute surprises or bait-and-switch tactics.
I'd love to connect and see how I can support you and your clients!

1 Reply
- Eshe Harvey
  OP
  Developer · Chicago · Member since 2025 · 111 posts · 103 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Katie Smith:
  
  Hi Eshe!
  I work with quite a few wholesalers, and I completely understand that having to adjust your assignment fee isn't ideal. However, if it’s the difference between winning or losing the deal, a small adjustment is almost always better than losing it altogether! Flexibility can often be the key to closing more deals in this market.
  
  Out of curiosity — do you have a preferred hard money lender that you recommend to your buyers? It's crucial that buyers work with investor-friendly lenders who not only offer competitive terms but also have the ability to close on time without any last-minute surprises or bait-and-switch tactics.
  I'd love to connect and see how I can support you and your clients!
  
  Hi Katie,
  Thank you for reaching out! This is actually my first wholesale deal, and I am working hard to self-educate and build strong connections along the way. I would love to connect and hopefully learn from you too!
  1 Reply
- Sridhar Das
  Member since 2024 · 3 posts · 1 vote
  1y
  Quote from @Katie Smith:
  
  Hi Eshe!
  I work with quite a few wholesalers, and I completely understand that having to adjust your assignment fee isn't ideal. However, if it’s the difference between winning or losing the deal, a small adjustment is almost always better than losing it altogether! Flexibility can often be the key to closing more deals in this market.
  
  Out of curiosity — do you have a preferred hard money lender that you recommend to your buyers? It's crucial that buyers work with investor-friendly lenders who not only offer competitive terms but also have the ability to close on time without any last-minute surprises or bait-and-switch tactics.
  I'd love to connect and see how I can support you and your clients!
  
  I would like to do my first BRRR using any of your preferred wholesaler and hard money lender too. Please introduce me to the group if you have any.
  0 Reply
Stephen MoralesBusiness Member
Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2025 · 402 posts · 205 votes
1y
Quote from @Eshe Harvey:

Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.

I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.

For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.

Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.

This business is all about speed. Spreading yourself and bandwidth on deals that you're going back and forth on is hardly ever worth the extra effort. If you can secure a deal and you end up losing 10-20% on your original assignment, who cares.

Take those funds and allocate capital on fueling your business further and keeping that pipeline operating like a well oiled machine.

Because this is your first wholesale deal, I can see why you're really wanting to get as much as possible. Listen, take the money and reinvest. Time IS MONEY. You are wasting time if this deal falls through or takes an extra week to negotiate to make an extra grand or two.
[email protected]
PrimeTracers
Website View Page
3 Reply
- Eshe Harvey
  OP
  Developer · Chicago · Member since 2025 · 111 posts · 103 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.
  
  I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.
  
  For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.
  
  Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.
  
  This business is all about speed. Spreading yourself and bandwidth on deals that you're going back and forth on is hardly ever worth the extra effort. If you can secure a deal and you end up losing 10-20% on your original assignment, who cares.
  
  Take those funds and allocate capital on fueling your business further and keeping that pipeline operating like a well oiled machine.
  
  Because this is your first wholesale deal, I can see why you're really wanting to get as much as possible. Listen, take the money and reinvest. Time IS MONEY. You are wasting time if this deal falls through or takes an extra week to negotiate to make an extra grand or two.
  Thank you! I agree it is better to close the deal and keep my momentum going. Appreciate your advice!
  1 Reply
- Stephen MoralesBusiness Member
  Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2025 · 402 posts · 205 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.
  
  I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.
  
  For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.
  
  Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.
  
  This business is all about speed. Spreading yourself and bandwidth on deals that you're going back and forth on is hardly ever worth the extra effort. If you can secure a deal and you end up losing 10-20% on your original assignment, who cares.
  
  Take those funds and allocate capital on fueling your business further and keeping that pipeline operating like a well oiled machine.
  
  Because this is your first wholesale deal, I can see why you're really wanting to get as much as possible. Listen, take the money and reinvest. Time IS MONEY. You are wasting time if this deal falls through or takes an extra week to negotiate to make an extra grand or two.
  Thank you! I agree it is better to close the deal and keep my momentum going. Appreciate your advice!
  
  Anytime @Eshe Harvey
  
  I'm super stoked that you're about to get your first deal! Congrats on the success. Keep working hard!
  
  [email protected]
  PrimeTracers
  Website View Page
  1 Reply
- Eshe Harvey
  OP
  Developer · Chicago · Member since 2025 · 111 posts · 103 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.
  
  I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.
  
  For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.
  
  Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.
  
  This business is all about speed. Spreading yourself and bandwidth on deals that you're going back and forth on is hardly ever worth the extra effort. If you can secure a deal and you end up losing 10-20% on your original assignment, who cares.
  
  Take those funds and allocate capital on fueling your business further and keeping that pipeline operating like a well oiled machine.
  
  Because this is your first wholesale deal, I can see why you're really wanting to get as much as possible. Listen, take the money and reinvest. Time IS MONEY. You are wasting time if this deal falls through or takes an extra week to negotiate to make an extra grand or two.
  Thank you! I agree it is better to close the deal and keep my momentum going. Appreciate your advice!
  
  Anytime @Eshe Harvey
  
  I'm super stoked that you're about to get your first deal! Congrats on the success. Keep working hard!
  
  Thank you!! I am so ready to see that first check from my first deal ... I will feel unstoppable then lol
  1 Reply
- Joe S.Pro Member
  Investor · San Antonio · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
  1y
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.
  
  I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.
  
  For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.
  
  Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.
  
  This business is all about speed. Spreading yourself and bandwidth on deals that you're going back and forth on is hardly ever worth the extra effort. If you can secure a deal and you end up losing 10-20% on your original assignment, who cares.
  
  Take those funds and allocate capital on fueling your business further and keeping that pipeline operating like a well oiled machine.
  
  Because this is your first wholesale deal, I can see why you're really wanting to get as much as possible. Listen, take the money and reinvest. Time IS MONEY. You are wasting time if this deal falls through or takes an extra week to negotiate to make an extra grand or two.
  Thank you! I agree it is better to close the deal and keep my momentum going. Appreciate your advice!
  
  Anytime @Eshe Harvey
  
  I'm super stoked that you're about to get your first deal! Congrats on the success. Keep working hard!
  
  Steven, did you actually read her post and the numbers that she put in her post?
  1 Reply
- Stephen MoralesBusiness Member
  Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2025 · 402 posts · 205 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Joe S.:
  
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.
  
  I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.
  
  For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.
  
  Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.
  
  This business is all about speed. Spreading yourself and bandwidth on deals that you're going back and forth on is hardly ever worth the extra effort. If you can secure a deal and you end up losing 10-20% on your original assignment, who cares.
  
  Take those funds and allocate capital on fueling your business further and keeping that pipeline operating like a well oiled machine.
  
  Because this is your first wholesale deal, I can see why you're really wanting to get as much as possible. Listen, take the money and reinvest. Time IS MONEY. You are wasting time if this deal falls through or takes an extra week to negotiate to make an extra grand or two.
  Thank you! I agree it is better to close the deal and keep my momentum going. Appreciate your advice!
  
  Anytime @Eshe Harvey
  
  I'm super stoked that you're about to get your first deal! Congrats on the success. Keep working hard!
  
  Steven, did you actually read her post and the numbers that she put in her post?
  
  Yes, and my message is the same.
  
  Seller listed at $289k
  
  Buyer will pay $260k
  
  $29k difference
  
  She wants to get it at $250k to make $10k assignment. My advice answered her question which was essentially if you can negotiate it and you can get seller to a price where you can assign it at and have the buyer meet half way, take the money. Don’t fixate on this number you want to make on the deal IF there is money to be made if you lower you assignment fee.
  
  Make sense?
  [email protected]
  PrimeTracers
  Website View Page
  2 Reply
- Joe S.Pro Member
  Investor · San Antonio · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
  1y
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Joe S.:
  
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.
  
  I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.
  
  For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.
  
  Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.
  
  This business is all about speed. Spreading yourself and bandwidth on deals that you're going back and forth on is hardly ever worth the extra effort. If you can secure a deal and you end up losing 10-20% on your original assignment, who cares.
  
  Take those funds and allocate capital on fueling your business further and keeping that pipeline operating like a well oiled machine.
  
  Because this is your first wholesale deal, I can see why you're really wanting to get as much as possible. Listen, take the money and reinvest. Time IS MONEY. You are wasting time if this deal falls through or takes an extra week to negotiate to make an extra grand or two.
  Thank you! I agree it is better to close the deal and keep my momentum going. Appreciate your advice!
  
  Anytime @Eshe Harvey
  
  I'm super stoked that you're about to get your first deal! Congrats on the success. Keep working hard!
  
  Steven, did you actually read her post and the numbers that she put in her post?
  
  Yes, and my message is the same.
  
  Seller listed at $289k
  
  Buyer will pay $260k
  
  $29k difference
  
  She wants to get it at $250k to make $10k assignment. My advice answered her question which was essentially if you can negotiate it and you can get seller to a price where you can assign it at and have the buyer meet half way, take the money. Don’t fixate on this number you want to make on the deal IF there is money to be made if you lower you assignment fee.
  
  Make sense?
  
  I didn’t see anything about her getting it for 250k, but if she can get it for 250 and sell it for 260 that sounds ✅..
  I’ll let her post and let you cheer and I am done here. 😂
  2 Reply
- Stephen MoralesBusiness Member
  Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2025 · 402 posts · 205 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Joe S.:
  
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Joe S.:
  
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Quote from @Stephen Morales:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.
  
  I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.
  
  For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.
  
  Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.
  
  This business is all about speed. Spreading yourself and bandwidth on deals that you're going back and forth on is hardly ever worth the extra effort. If you can secure a deal and you end up losing 10-20% on your original assignment, who cares.
  
  Take those funds and allocate capital on fueling your business further and keeping that pipeline operating like a well oiled machine.
  
  Because this is your first wholesale deal, I can see why you're really wanting to get as much as possible. Listen, take the money and reinvest. Time IS MONEY. You are wasting time if this deal falls through or takes an extra week to negotiate to make an extra grand or two.
  Thank you! I agree it is better to close the deal and keep my momentum going. Appreciate your advice!
  
  Anytime @Eshe Harvey
  
  I'm super stoked that you're about to get your first deal! Congrats on the success. Keep working hard!
  
  Steven, did you actually read her post and the numbers that she put in her post?
  
  Yes, and my message is the same.
  
  Seller listed at $289k
  
  Buyer will pay $260k
  
  $29k difference
  
  She wants to get it at $250k to make $10k assignment. My advice answered her question which was essentially if you can negotiate it and you can get seller to a price where you can assign it at and have the buyer meet half way, take the money. Don’t fixate on this number you want to make on the deal IF there is money to be made if you lower you assignment fee.
  
  Make sense?
  
  I didn’t see anything about her getting it for 250k, but if she can get it for 250 and sell it for 260 that sounds ✅..
  I’ll let her post and let you cheer and I am done here. 😂
  
  Lol you are correct, I was just answering a hypothetical and being enthusiastic about potential success.
  [email protected]
  PrimeTracers
  Website View Page
  3 Reply
- Teni Owojori
  Member since 2025 · 16 posts · 4 votes
  1y
  @Stephen Morales Yes, Exactly one of the first problems I ran into trying to wholesale. Wasting time on deals that are not priority or deals which may look uncertain, way better to invest the time in tuning your pipeline/marketing for more ideal leads.
  1 Reply
Joe S.Pro Member
Investor · San Antonio · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
1y
Quote from @Eshe Harvey:

Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.

I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.

For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.

Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.

I’m having a hard time understanding the numbers that you mentioned. At one point you’re saying that the seller is still 50k overpriced for similar homes. Also, you said that seller wanted 289K, but reduced it 10 K and you have a buyer willing to pay 260k. so if I read the numbers correctly, there’s no room for assignment fee and what the sellers willing to sell For and want your buyers willing to buy for are still nowhere close enough to even close for you to break even…. at least with the numbers that were presented.
Can you clarify the numbers so that we would have a better chance of how to advise you?

P.S people adjust their assignment fee all the time to get the deal done so hopefully that answers your original question.

4 Reply
Steve K.
Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes
1y
Assuming you are in Illinois and the deal is as well, I believe you can only do one wholesale deal per year there legally (without a license) so I would make sure it's a good one. Just some food for thought. Also it sounds like this property is listed on the MLS? If so it's a bit more challenging to wholesale MLS deals because most listing agents are wary of assignable contracts and will sniff out wholesalers if they don't have the ability to close and could end up jerking their seller around, tying up the property, and not closing. Also there aren't that many deals on the MLS with enough of a spread to work in a decent assignment fee (which seems to be the case with this one). I'd focus on generating off-market leads with healthier spreads instead. Also one other thing I noticed is that 60 days on market isn't actually terribly long. It's about average actually, so the seller may not be motivated enough yet to take an offer that is 14% lower than their asking price and also has an assign ability clause in it. I would advise my seller to lower their price a little bit and look for a real offer first. Are you dealing with the listing agent or the seller directly here (assuming it is listed with an agent, it wasn't clear in your post but because you said "on the market" that's what it sounds like…).
5 Reply
- Eshe Harvey
  OP
  Developer · Chicago · Member since 2025 · 111 posts · 103 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Steve K.:
  
  Assuming you are in Illinois and the deal is as well, I believe you can only do one wholesale deal per year there legally (without a license) so I would make sure it's a good one. Just some food for thought. Also it sounds like this property is listed on the MLS? If so it's a bit more challenging to wholesale MLS deals because most listing agents are wary of assignable contracts and will sniff out wholesalers if they don't have the ability to close and could end up jerking their seller around, tying up the property, and not closing. Also there aren't that many deals on the MLS with enough of a spread to work in a decent assignment fee (which seems to be the case with this one). I'd focus on generating off-market leads with healthier spreads instead. Also one other thing I noticed is that 60 days on market isn't actually terribly long. It's about average actually, so the seller may not be motivated enough yet to take an offer that is 14% lower than their asking price and also has an assign ability clause in it. I would advise my seller to lower their price a little bit and look for a real offer first. Are you dealing with the listing agent or the seller directly here (assuming it is listed with an agent, it wasn't clear in your post but because you said "on the market" that's what it sounds like…).
  
  Yes, I’m aware of that. I’m currently studying and plan to sit for my state exam within the next few weeks. Thanks for your concern.
  
  1 Reply
Mohammed Rahman
Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
1y
Honestly, you're thinking about this the right way. In wholesaling, adjusting your assignment fee a little to get the deal closed is very common — especially when you're this close. Most experienced wholesalers will tell you: some money now beats chasing bigger money later that might never come. You're already doing the hard work getting both sides to the table, and it sounds like you've put in serious effort juggling between the seller and the buyer.

If you can gently remind the seller about the 60 days on market and the price cut (without making her defensive), that's smart — it plants the seed that she needs to act now or risk losing even more leverage. Even if she won't budge a ton, you have a real buyer at $260K. You could close it, take a smaller but real assignment fee, and build momentum for the next one.

The pros who last in this game don't die on the hill for an extra few grand — they keep the machine moving. One good deal leads to the next because it builds relationships and reputation.

I'd say trust your gut here. Lock it up, get paid, and reload for the next. A win is a win.
3 Reply
- Eshe Harvey
  OP
  Developer · Chicago · Member since 2025 · 111 posts · 103 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Mohammed Rahman:
  
  Honestly, you're thinking about this the right way. In wholesaling, adjusting your assignment fee a little to get the deal closed is very common — especially when you're this close. Most experienced wholesalers will tell you: some money now beats chasing bigger money later that might never come. You're already doing the hard work getting both sides to the table, and it sounds like you've put in serious effort juggling between the seller and the buyer.
  
  If you can gently remind the seller about the 60 days on market and the price cut (without making her defensive), that's smart — it plants the seed that she needs to act now or risk losing even more leverage. Even if she won't budge a ton, you have a real buyer at $260K. You could close it, take a smaller but real assignment fee, and build momentum for the next one.
  
  The pros who last in this game don't die on the hill for an extra few grand — they keep the machine moving. One good deal leads to the next because it builds relationships and reputation.
  
  I'd say trust your gut here. Lock it up, get paid, and reload for the next. A win is a win.
  
  This is incredibly helpful — thank you. I’ve been doing everything I can to bring both sides to the table .Definitely agree: closing and building momentum matters more than holding out for a perfect number. Appreciate you dropping this insight.
  
  0 Reply
Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
1y
I agree with @Steve K.....60 days on market is not a long time, it's actualy pretty short. If I were that seller, I would not be inclined to lower my price much, especially with a middleman involved.
I think of 150 days (or so) as being a long time 'on market'....
3 Reply
Laura Navaquin
Investor · Member since 2024 · 83 posts · 58 votes
1y
Hey Eshe! First off , major kudos to you. You’re clearly putting in the work and staying persistent, which is half the battle in this business. The fact that you’re evaluating both the numbers and the psychology of the deal (DOM, price drops, buyer interest) shows real strategy.

To your question, yes, it’s absolutely common for experienced wholesalers to adjust the assignment fee slightly to get the deal done. At the end of the day, the goal is to keep deals moving. A smaller win that closes beats holding out for a larger one that falls apart. Especially when the buyer is solid at $260K and the seller is showing some movement, it’s smart to meet the deal where it makes sense and move on with momentum.

One important note: it’s best to avoid referring to your assignment fee as a “commission.” Commissions are typically tied to licensed real estate agents and governed by strict regulations. Using that terminology could create confusion or raise compliance concerns if you’re not licensed. Instead, always refer to it as an assignment fee, it reflects the value of the contract you're assigning, not a fee for brokering a deal.

You’ve got great instincts, and it sounds like you're really close to locking this one in. Trust your gut, a win is a win, and this one could be a solid stepping stone to the next.

Let me know if you ever want to brainstorm or run a deal by someone, always happy to connect and share insight!

– Laura
3 Reply
- Eshe Harvey
  OP
  Developer · Chicago · Member since 2025 · 111 posts · 103 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Laura Navaquin:
  
  Hey Eshe! First off , major kudos to you. You’re clearly putting in the work and staying persistent, which is half the battle in this business. The fact that you’re evaluating both the numbers and the psychology of the deal (DOM, price drops, buyer interest) shows real strategy.
  
  To your question, yes, it’s absolutely common for experienced wholesalers to adjust the assignment fee slightly to get the deal done. At the end of the day, the goal is to keep deals moving. A smaller win that closes beats holding out for a larger one that falls apart. Especially when the buyer is solid at $260K and the seller is showing some movement, it’s smart to meet the deal where it makes sense and move on with momentum.
  
  One important note: it’s best to avoid referring to your assignment fee as a “commission.” Commissions are typically tied to licensed real estate agents and governed by strict regulations. Using that terminology could create confusion or raise compliance concerns if you’re not licensed. Instead, always refer to it as an assignment fee, it reflects the value of the contract you're assigning, not a fee for brokering a deal.
  
  You’ve got great instincts, and it sounds like you're really close to locking this one in. Trust your gut, a win is a win, and this one could be a solid stepping stone to the next.
  
  Let me know if you ever want to brainstorm or run a deal by someone, always happy to connect and share insight!
  
  – Laura
  Wow, thank you so much for this — your insight means a lot. I’ve been very intentional about learning both the numbers and the psychology of the deal, so it’s great to hear I’m approaching this the right way. I’ll definitely be more mindful about using ‘assignment fee’ instead of ‘commission’ moving forward. Appreciate you taking the time to break this down — I’m locked in and ready to keep the momentum going.
  
  0 Reply
Shelley Sparks
Member since 2025 · 2 posts · 0 votes
1y
I agree with Steve K. 60 days on the market really isn't that long. With interest rates higher than they were and so much uncertainty in the market, i believe there will be a lot better deals in the future.
0 Reply
- Eshe Harvey
  OP
  Developer · Chicago · Member since 2025 · 111 posts · 103 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Shelley Sparks:
  
  I agree with Steve K. 60 days on the market really isn't that long. With interest rates higher than they were and so much uncertainty in the market, i believe there will be a lot better deals in the future.
  
  Totally hear you, Shelley. I’m actually using 60+ DOM as a sign to dig deeper — especially if there’s already been a price cut. That usually tells me the seller is becoming more flexible, which helps me bring both sides to the table faster.
  
  0 Reply
Keyano BurgessBusiness Member
Cleveland, OH · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 23 votes
1y
Take the money and run. You're not proving anything holding firm and walking away with nothing.
[email protected]216-387-7220
Lokal Real Estate518 Reviews
Website View Page
2 Reply
- Eshe Harvey
  OP
  Developer · Chicago · Member since 2025 · 111 posts · 103 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Keyano Burgess:
  
  Take the money and run. You're not proving anything holding firm and walking away with nothing.
  
  Love this response — no fluff, just facts. Sometimes you need that blunt clarity!
  
  0 Reply
Keyano BurgessBusiness Member
Cleveland, OH · Member since 2024 · 32 posts · 23 votes
1y
This is real estate investing, you gotta be blunt I leave all that fluffiness to retail real estate agents lol
[email protected]216-387-7220
Lokal Real Estate518 Reviews
Website View Page
2 Reply
Don KonipolBusiness Member
Investor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votes
1y
Quote from @Eshe Harvey:

Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.

I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.

For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.

Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.

“may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.”

I would be careful about giving either party “advice” until you’re licensed. Lawsuits after the fact are becoming a lot more common.

Private Mortgage Financing Partners, LLC
Website View Page
1 Reply
- Eshe Harvey
  OP
  Developer · Chicago · Member since 2025 · 111 posts · 103 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Don Konipol:
  
  Quote from @Eshe Harvey:
  
  Currently working on a wholesale deal where the seller is asking $289,000. She recently reduced her price by $10,000, but comps in the area suggest she is still about $50,000 overpriced compared to similar homes. Buyer is willing to pay $260,000. Ideally, I would have liked to negotiate the seller down closer to $250,000 to secure higher assignment fee. However, based on the seller's pricing expectations it may make more sense to adjust the assignment fee just to close the deal, secure the commission, and move on to next deal.
  
  I have been like a madman all day, working back and forth through emails between seller and buyer trying to lock it up. I may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.
  
  For seasoned wholesalers or anyone who has experience - is it common to adjust your assignment fee slightly to secure a close, or is it better to hold firm even if it means risking the deal? I personally may just lock it in and move on. A win is a win.
  
  Appreciate any insight (feel free to inbox me directly as well if you would like to share any insight) - will figure this out anyway.
  
  “may need to bring up the fact that the property has been on the market almost 60 days, and she has already reduced the price by 10k. That says a lot about the true demand. If she is serious about selling, it might be wise to come to an agreement now -before more days on market weaker her position further.”
  
  I would be careful about giving either party “advice” until you’re licensed. Lawsuits after the fact are becoming a lot more common.
  
  Thanks, Don — I appreciate the clarification. I agree and definitely want to stay on the right side of things as I move through this wholesale deal.
  
  0 Reply
Travis TimmonsPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Ellsworth, ME · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
1y
I'm not a wholesaler but have started a few businesses. I used to convince myself that I was close to a sale when I was nowhere near closing. I would manufacture false hope all of the time rather than just giving up and moving on to the next one. I don't know if that is what you are doing here or not, but be wary of that.
Make sure you are being honest with yourself. Does this have a realistic shot of getting done in the next week? What is the actual motivation that would push the seller to come off $35k (or whatever the number is that gets it done)? If the seller dropped the listing price to $269k tomorrow, would she get a flood of buyer activity? Is your $260k offer good for the seller or just good for you?

Keep at it. Wholesaling is a grind, but you can do it. I'm not here to be critical or tell you that you can't do something.

1 Reply

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.