Lowball Offer? Counter With a Plan.

“That offer is insulting.”

A low offer can feel personal. You’ve cared for your home, invested in it, and have a clear idea of what you want to receive.

But before you shut down the conversation, consider giving the buyer something to say yes to.

My advice to sellers in Woodstock: look beyond the opening number. A low offer can be the start of a negotiation. Consider countering with a price and terms that work for you, including closing date, seller contributions, contingencies, and possession.

You don’t have to split the difference. A thoughtful counter shows the buyer what it would take to reach an agreement.

There’s one important caution.

When you send a formal counteroffer, you reject the buyer’s original offer—even if you change only one term. That offer is no longer available for you to accept, and the buyer does not have to continue negotiating. Returning to the original terms would require a new agreement.

That matters whether the price gap is large or small. When a strong offer is already close to your goals, is asking for a little more worth risking the deal?

Consider countering when the gap is large, and weigh the risk carefully when the gap is small.

Don’t let frustration make the decision. Let your goals guide it.

Thinking about selling? Let’s build a plan before the first offer arrives.

MikeDTheJeepGuy.com

Written by Mike Donovan, REALTOR with RE/MAX Town & Country, specializing in Cherokee County, Cobb County, and North Fulton.