Received a Low Offer? Here’s How to Respond Smartly!
Selling your home in Ankeny is an exciting journey, but what happens when you receive an offer that’s significantly below your asking price? Do you reject it outright, counteroffer, or try to negotiate?
At Allison Hart Home Team, we understand how frustrating lowball offers can be. But before dismissing an offer completely, it’s important to approach the situation strategically. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why buyers submit low offers, how to evaluate them, and the best ways to negotiate for the price you deserve.
1. What is Considered a Lowball Offer?
A lowball offer is typically one that comes in well below your home’s fair market value. While what qualifies as “lowball” depends on local market conditions, here are some general guidelines:
✔ Below 90% of asking price – Generally seen as a low offer in a seller’s market.
✔ More than 10-15% under list price – Can be perceived as unrealistic.
✔ Far below comparable home sales – If similar homes have sold for significantly more, it’s a lowball offer.
💡 Pro Tip: A lower-than-expected offer doesn’t always mean the buyer isn’t serious. Some buyers simply start negotiations lower in hopes of getting a deal.
2. Why Do Buyers Make Lowball Offers?
Understanding a buyer’s motivation can help you craft a strategic response. Here are some common reasons buyers submit low offers:
A. They’re Testing the Waters
✔ Some buyers assume sellers will negotiate, so they start with a low offer to see if they can get a discount.
B. They Believe the Home is Overpriced
✔ If your home is priced higher than recent comparable sales, buyers may feel justified in making a lower offer.
C. They’re Bargain Hunters
✔ Some investors and cash buyers actively seek underpriced deals and try to buy homes below market value.
D. They’re Trying to Stay Within Budget
✔ Some buyers genuinely can’t afford your asking price but love the home enough to make an offer anyway.
E. They Think the Market is Favorable to Buyers
✔ In a buyer’s market (where there are more homes than buyers), some may expect sellers to accept lower offers.
💡 Pro Tip: Instead of taking a lowball offer personally, see it as an opportunity to negotiate and move closer to a deal.
3. How to Respond to a Lowball Offer: Smart Seller Strategies
Rather than rejecting an offer outright, here’s how you can respond strategically to turn a low offer into a better deal.
A. Keep Your Emotions in Check
✔ It’s easy to feel insulted, but real estate is a business transaction—stay professional and open-minded.
B. Don’t Reject It Immediately
✔ Even if the offer seems too low, a counteroffer could lead to a stronger final deal.
C. Counteroffer at or Near Your Asking Price
✔ A strong counteroffer shows you’re willing to negotiate, but you expect a fair deal.
✔ You can also adjust terms (such as closing costs or contingencies) instead of just focusing on price.
💡 Example Counteroffer Strategy:
✔ If your home is listed at $350,000 and you receive a $310,000 offer, you could counter at $345,000 to keep negotiations moving.
D. Ask for a Justification
✔ Politely ask the buyer (or their agent) why they’re offering significantly below asking price.
✔ If their reasoning is based on incorrect market data, you can provide comparable sales to support your price.
E. Offer Small Concessions Instead of Dropping Price
✔ If the buyer is price-sensitive, offer incentives instead of lowering the price, such as:
- Covering a portion of closing costs.
- Offering a home warranty.
- Being flexible on the closing date.
F. Have Your Realtor Negotiate on Your Behalf
✔ A skilled Ankeny Realtor—like the Allison Hart Home Team—knows how to push back on low offers and negotiate effectively.
💡 Pro Tip: Buyers making low offers often expect a counteroffer—use it as leverage to get closer to your desired price.
4. When Should You Accept a Lower Offer?
While lowball offers aren’t ideal, there are situations where accepting a lower but reasonable offer makes sense.
✔ You Need to Sell Quickly – If you’re on a tight timeline, a slightly lower offer might be worth accepting.
✔ The Buyer is Offering Cash – Cash buyers eliminate financing risks and often close faster.
✔ Your Home Has Been on the Market a Long Time – If your home hasn’t sold, a lower offer might be better than waiting for months.
✔ The Offer Has Minimal Contingencies – A clean, low-risk offer (few contingencies, quick closing) can outweigh a slightly higher but complicated offer.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about an offer, consult with your Realtor to evaluate if it’s worth considering.
5. How to Prevent Lowball Offers Before They Happen
A. Price Your Home Correctly from Day One
✔ Homes priced too high often receive lowball offers because buyers assume you’ll negotiate down.
✔ Work with an experienced Ankeny Realtor to set a competitive and strategic price.
B. Highlight Your Home’s Value in Marketing
✔ High-quality listing photos, video tours, and detailed descriptions help showcase the true value of your home.
C. Generate High Buyer Interest
✔ More interest = more competition = fewer lowball offers.
✔ Use a strong marketing plan (open houses, social media, professional staging) to attract serious buyers.
D. List Your Home in a Strong Market Season
✔ Spring and early summer are peak selling seasons in Ankeny, attracting serious buyers.
💡 Pro Tip: A well-prepared listing can discourage bargain hunters and attract higher-quality offers.
6. Why Work with an Experienced Ankeny Realtor?
Handling lowball offers requires expert negotiation skills, and that’s where the Allison Hart Home Team comes in.
Why Sellers Trust Us:
✔ Expert Pricing Strategy – We ensure your home is competitively priced to attract strong offers.
✔ Negotiation Expertise – We know how to push back against lowball offers and secure top-dollar deals.
✔ Local Market Knowledge – With years of experience in Ankeny real estate, we understand what buyers are willing to pay.
✔ Stress-Free Selling Experience – We handle all the details, so you don’t have to worry.
💡 Pro Tip: A strong negotiation strategy can turn a lowball offer into a successful sale at the right price.
7. Ready to Sell? Let’s Get You the Best Price!
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Ankeny, don’t let lowball offers derail your goals. The Allison Hart Home Team is here to help you navigate offers, negotiate effectively, and sell your home for top dollar.
📞 Call us today to schedule a free home evaluation and let’s get your home sold at the price you deserve!
Phone: 515-210-5198
Email: [email protected]
Web: allisonharthomesales.com OR allisonharthomes.com
