Submitting a lower offer can be tempting, but is it poor etiquette?
A real estate expert offers insight into when it’s appropriate.
Does location still matter most?
Credit:Terry Papp
Should you remodel your home to suit your tastes or for resale value?
Are starter homes still a thing?
We all have plenty of questions about the ever-changing world of real estate.
Is it ever okay to make a low offer on a home?
Intodays market, the answer might surprise you.
Changing dynamics and evolvingbuyer-seller expectationsmean that what once seemed like a lowball could actually be a savvy strategy.
Still, theres a fine line between negotiating smartly and offending a seller.
Ask an Agent: Is It Rude to Offer Below the Asking Price on a House?
No, not intoday’s landscape.
With interest rates and home prices still high, a homebuyer’s power is definitely lower.
So no, I don’t think it’s rude to offer below than asking.
It’s also a less competitive marketplace right now.
Sellers are still a little tight on negotiations, but we typically see a 97% list-to-sales price.
This means sellers are being more negotiable, offering home warranties,offering inspections, and making repairs.
It’s a better landscape than two or three years ago.
Doing so can create a very horrible dynamic between the seller and the buyer in negotiations.
Sellers might be offended, as it can be very personal to sell a home.
If you do “lowball” an offer, the counteroffer will be close to full price.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
