Stay calm and counter strategically. Review recent comparable sales and work with your agent to craft a response that keeps negotiations alive while protecting your property’s value.
Try to take the emotions out of it and simply counter with a number that makes sense. Some buyers are old school and like to start at a way lower number in order to meet in the middle, which is the real number they want to buy for. Some are just not educated on the market and try to waste time. It is worth sending the counter as it doesnt cost either you or your agent anything. I have had examples were we received 5 offers on a house, and sent a multiple counter to all 5 instead of top 2-3 and to our surprise the lowest one, came back as the highest amount a few days later. you never know.
Sample Response (Agent to Buyer’s Agent)
“Thank you for your buyer’s offer of $360,000 on 123 Main Street. After reviewing current market activity and the premium waterfront location, my client is confident in the listed value. We are happy to counter at $390,000 and are open to discussing other terms that might work for your buyer, such as flexible closing timing or including select appliances. Please let us know your thoughts.”
Key Points to Remember
Never take low offers personally; treat them as the start of a conversation.
Respond quickly and professionally to keep negotiations moving.
Use your counteroffer to reinforce the property’s value, not just reject the buyer’s position.
Stay flexible and solution-oriented—sometimes buyers come up significantly if they perceive the negotiation as fair and professional.
Thank you for that offer for the purchase of Our home. Its below sellers asking price and below market value. However the seller is open to negotiating and would like to extend an invitation to you to submit a more serious and competitive offer.