When buying a home, you might be tempted to make a lowball offer—an offer significantly below the seller’s asking price—in the hope of scoring a great deal. While lowballing can be a savvy tactic in some cases, it also comes with risks and potential challenges. Understanding the pros and cons of making low offers, as well as when they’re more likely to be successful, can help you approach this strategy effectively. Here’s what buyers need to know before taking the lowball route.

1. What Exactly is a Lowball Offer?

A lowball offer is generally considered an offer that’s 10% or more below the seller’s asking price. While it’s natural to want to save money on a home purchase, offering too little can lead to rejected offers, offended sellers, or damaged negotiations. A good lowball offer takes the local market and property’s condition into account rather than relying solely on a buyer’s target price.

2. When a Lowball Offer Might Work

Certain situations make sellers more receptive to lower offers, including;

• A Buyer’s Market: In a market with high inventory and fewer buyers, sellers are often more open to negotiation, making lowball offers more viable.

• Extended Days on Market (DOM): If a home has been on the market for a while without much interest, the seller may be more willing to consider lower offers.

• Motivated Sellers: Life events such as relocation, divorce, or financial constraints can make a seller eager to close the sale, even if it means accepting a lower price.

• Property Condition: If a home requires major repairs or renovations, sellers may be willing to lower the price to compensate for the work required.

In each of these situations, a low offer could appeal to the seller, but it’s essential to approach it carefully to avoid jeopardizing the deal.

3. How to Approach a Lowball Offer Successfully

A strategic, well-researched lowball offer has a better chance of success. Here’s how to increase the odds that your offer will be taken seriously:

• Do Your Homework: Research comparable home sales in the area to understand the property’s fair market value. A real estate agent can help you identify recent sales that justify your offer.

• Look Beyond Price Alone: Adding attractive terms to your offer—such as a quick closing date, flexible move-in time, or minimal contingencies—can sweeten the deal for the seller, making a low offer more appealing.

• Personalize Your Offer: If the property holds sentimental value for the seller, a personal note expressing your interest in the home can make a difference. While this doesn’t directly increase the offer, it helps to create a connection with the seller.

• Be Willing to Negotiate: Making a low offer is just the start of the negotiation process. Be open to meeting the seller halfway or making small concessions to show that you’re serious about closing the deal.

4. The Risks of Making a Lowball Offer

While a lowball offer can lead to a bargain, it also comes with potential downsides:

• Damaging the Negotiation: If the offer is too low, the seller may feel insulted or offended, ending negotiations altogether. They may even be less inclined to consider future counteroffers.

• Losing Out in a Competitive Market: In a seller’s market with high demand, lowball offers rarely succeed. Serious buyers might miss out on desirable properties if they continually underbid.

• Creating Appraisal Issues: If your low offer leads to an accepted price significantly lower than market value, the lender’s appraisal might not match up, complicating the financing process.

• Time Delays: Low offers often result in counteroffers and prolonged negotiations, potentially delaying the process. For buyers who truly love a property or are working within tight time constraints, the risks of a lowball offer may outweigh the potential savings.

5. Tips for Buyers Considering Lowball Offers

If you decide to pursue a lowball offer, here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Work with Us!: As skilled agents, we can provide valuable insight into the local market, guide your offer strategy, and present your offer in the best light. 

• Gauge the Seller’s Situation: Understanding the seller’s motivation for selling can help you tailor an offer they’re more likely to accept.

• Prepare for Counteroffers: Expect the seller to counter your initial offer and be prepared to respond in a timely manner. Flexibility and responsiveness show your seriousness as a buyer. 

• Have a Backup Plan: If your lowball offer is rejected, have a plan in place for whether you’re willing to increase your offer or move on to another property.

6. When to Rethink a Lowball Strategy

Lowball offers aren’t always the best approach, especially in highly competitive markets or when you find a property you’re genuinely excited about. If you’re in a multiple-offer situation, a low offer can quickly get lost in the mix, making it unlikely you’ll secure the home. Additionally, lowballing isn’t ideal for unique or luxury homes that tend to hold their value better than properties in more typical price ranges.

Final Thoughts: Be Strategic and Flexible

Making a lowball offer is an art that requires the right market conditions, clear communication, and a willingness to adapt. Let us do the research and help assess the pros and cons so you are in a better position your low offer for success without jeopardizing your dream home. In the end, the goal is to strike a balance between securing a good deal and respecting the seller’s value, ultimately leading to a successful transaction.