How long has it been on market? What do comps say? How sad will you be if you don't get it?

What does your realtor say?

Worst they can say is no.

Make whatever offer you're comfortable with.

I'm not a realtor, but I've paid more than I should have twice because my own realtor thought the seller would be offended by the offer I wanted to make and convinced me to raise my offer.

First was a house that I didn't like, but liked the lot. Seller was asking $295 for a 50 year old house that needed lots of updating. Seller had already moved out. I told my realtor to offer $250 cash, no inspection, as is. She talked me up to $275 and made the offer, seller accepted within 5 minutes, no counter offer.

Second is a similar story, but more back and forth. I've since become friends with the seller and know he wouldn't have been offended if I offered 1/2 of asking price. He wouldn't have taken it, but he would have negotiated.

Realtor was more concerned getting their commission check than the best deal for the client.

They always are. There are lots of misalignment issues between a buyer's realtor and the buyer. I could write a book, but that's another thread.

I usually say offer 10% below no matter what. If you really have no attachment go lower.

Any man that's been to the dance hall is used to being told no, how could they offend you any more than that?

I just got a house under contract for a client. Our first offer was almost 10% below asking and I made it clear to the seller's agent by stating "we are starting at $X price." We didn't really say "we want to negotiate" but I made it clear to the sellers agent that they were serious buyers with a reduced option period and contingency's because my clients were dead set on buying the house - but only for the right price.

The seller countered only offer $4K off the listing price, which we countered back with a slight increase to our offer as best and final. Ended up netting the client the house at 6.5% under ask BEFORE they got our commission rebate which gives them another 1.5% to either help fund closing costs or reduce the purchase price even more.

Moral of the story - don't be afraid to offer $875K but make sure to speak with your agent about ways to make your offer more attractive - higher earnest money deposit, shorter option period, higher option money, etc. You're the client and you set the price cause it's YOUR purchase. If your realtor doesn't like that - well that's their issue and there are so many others who will operate under your requests.

Mas89 said:

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Keep looking. Be patient. The right house will come available eventually. Hard pass on a home that needs pool resurfacing and remodeling.

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I think this is the other aspect that, to me, doesn't make this a crazy low ball offer.

Houses with issues are sitting even though good homes are moving crazy fast. If you look, aren't afraid of this work, and know and consider the costs, deals can be had.

TxAg20 said:

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Make whatever offer you're comfortable with.

I'm not a realtor, but I've paid more than I should have twice because my own realtor thought the seller would be offended by the offer I wanted to make and convinced me to raise my offer.

First was a house that I didn't like, but liked the lot. Seller was asking $295 for a 50 year old house that needed lots of updating. Seller had already moved out. I told my realtor to offer $250 cash, no inspection, as is. She talked me up to $275 and made the offer, seller accepted within 5 minutes, no counter offer.

Second is a similar story, but more back and forth. I've since become friends with the seller and know he wouldn't have been offended if I offered 1/2 of asking price. He wouldn't have taken it, but he would have negotiated.

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This offended comment from realtors offends me.

It's just a ploy so the realtor has a better chance at a winning offer.

This should be a business transaction. anyone really acting offended needs to check their emotions at the door.

**Update**

We offered $875 and they sat on it, but ended up accepting late last night!

We have sone work to do, but excited about the "vision" we have for the house.

TxAg20 said:

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Make whatever offer you're comfortable with.

I'm not a realtor, but I've paid more than I should have twice because my own realtor thought the seller would be offended by the offer I wanted to make and convinced me to raise my offer.

First was a house that I didn't like, but liked the lot. Seller was asking $295 for a 50 year old house that needed lots of updating. Seller had already moved out. I told my realtor to offer $250 cash, no inspection, as is. She talked me up to $275 and made the offer, seller accepted within 5 minutes, no counter offer.

Second is a similar story, but more back and forth. I've since become friends with the seller and know he wouldn't have been offended if I offered 1/2 of asking price. He wouldn't have taken it, but he would have negotiated.

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That offended by the offer thing drives me nuts.

Shoulda offered $825

/texags

chrisfield said:

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Wow, accepted with no counter. Congrats!

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They countered $910. We said no, but gave them 21 day close non contingent at $875