Clarkston MI Home Buyer- "Highest" and "Best" Are Not Synonyms

True story:

A friend of mine, who is also a Realtor, wrote an offer on a house for herself. The house is a short sale, and my friend made a fair offer. The listing agent called to tell my friend that there were other offers, and hers wasn't the highest, and did my friend want to increase her offer.

My friend (did I mention she is an EXCELLENT agent) pointed out that her offer was within 10% of asking price, that the comps bore it out, and it still had to appraise in 3-6 months in a declining market. That she was willing to look at a reasonable counter offer if the lien holders needed a higher pay off. AND that she was willing to buy the appliances or lawn tractor- up to $10,000. She pointed out that this particular lien holder wasn't receptive to releasing the seller from their responsibility for the deficiency (waive their right to sue the seller in the future) without a note or cash payoff for a portion at close. If the sellers know in advance that they have a buyer for up to $10K of their stuff, it can change the playing field a bit when it comes to negotiating the short sale.

The listing agent came back after meeting with her seller with an accepted offer. They were all in agreement- my friend's offer wasn't the highest offer, but it was the best.

The moral of this story:

Everybody has a bottom line, but as long as you meet that bottom line - or come close enough to lower that line- there are other factors important to today's sellers in Clarkston Michigan.

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Jackie Hawley

Keller Williams Realty, Clarkston
cell: 248-736-6407
email: Jackie@JackieHawley.com

web: www.MiRelocation.com

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***************************************************

Jackie Hawley

ReMax Encore

8040 Ortonville Rd
Suite E
Clarkston, MI 48348

www.MiRelocation.com
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Cell Phone: (248)736-6407
Email: Jackie@JackieHawley.com

 

 
This post has been included in Michigan Real Estate News Oakland County, MI Real Estate News Clarkston, MI Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Buyer Information - What Buyers Need to Know in Today's Market
Post is included in group: Macomb and Oakland Homes in Michigan
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2 Comments on Clarkston MI Home Buyer- "Highest" and "Best" Are Not Synonyms

JAN
08
2012
484,568 Points 51 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Great post on the difference between the two - too often sellers expect to get both or focus on just the higher offer. 
12:45pm • #1
193,574 Points 3 Featured Posts

Thanks. Different sellers have different motivations. Short sale sellers want to get out without a deficiency. Traditional sellers tend to want the most $$.  I like to know it has a good chance of closing :)
1:15pm • #2


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