Just when I think I've heard them all, here comes a new stupid idea.

If you want to buy a home today you need to make your offer clear and avoid complications.  Great post.

Thanks for a great post.  Maybe they just wanted a fenced piece of raw land??  They were not interested in a house, in guess????

Buyers can really come up with some whacked out requests.  You have to just listen and provide logical, professional feedback.

Hey for the right price, I would put up a fence....

We are really only in a seller's market at the lower price points in my area.  Buyers are surprised when I tell them that they might need to offer more than list price if they really want the property.  Once they get over the shock after explaining that it's the price range that is causing the multiple offers, they realize they cannot offer too low, if anything less than list price, and I always ask them how would you feel if you lose the offer over a couple thousand dollars (or whatever)?

In 30 years in the biz I've never had a buyer request a fence!  How does that work?  Do they stipulate the kind of fence or is it an estimate put into escrow?

Ginny - We once sold a singlewide mobile home on rural acreage that had a barb wire fence. It turned out that the tenants had constructed that fence, so they took the wire with them - and the buyer threw a screaming fit.

Just to keep the peace, the other agent and I paid to replace the wire.

That was years ago and when I drive by I'm reminded of what fools we were. That jerk never did replace the fence - I don't think he ever intended to. He just wanted to squeeze a few dollars from the agents. (This is a small town, so I know this guy - and never did like him!)

Ginny -  I am always amused at what buyers think is ok to ask for when making an offer.  Build you a deck?  Sure, why not!  Put up a fence for you?  Sure, why not!  Seriously, where do they get the idea a seller should have to fix it up for you.  When it's yours, YOU fix it up!!!

Bill and Cyndi

I'd hate to see the buyer lose the house due to a fence ... but some buyer's are sill and stubborn that way .... not to mention any still think it is a buyer's market ... it is now full price and over offers with no closing costs and no anything else .... clean offers win ... others are not serious

Most home buyers never have experienced a competitive market with multiple offers. Most don't negotiate for something this big more than a few times in their lives. No wonder, they don't get it on how to strategize an offer in this kind of market. We just need to keep educating them. I try to start when we begin looking at houses discussing negotiation strategies under various circumstances figuring something will get into their heads by the time we write an offer. Sometimes it actually works!

Ginny, Well said ~ "Buyers" Remember you are dealing with competing bids and you want yours to shine through. ~ I agree with you...Great blog post! Thank You for sharing!

Very well said Ginny. This is very good information for all buyers out there. You really are a top notch North Kingstown short sale agent. Keep it up!

I don't see any reason why buyers demands for such. They're not in the position to demand things especially if they are in a bidding situation.

Great post Ginny. Buyers out there will surely learn a thing or two from this. Stay the best!

Thanks for sharing this Ginny. This is very informative and buyers out there will benefit from your post.

Hello Ginny:  Your advice is sound.  Put the best offer you can on the table and expect to win. The more complex an offer becomes, the more likely it is misunderstood and rejected.

Dallas buyers, in most cases, are bidding over the list price and asking for nothing, just so they can have a chance at purchasing a house. Good advice.

Hi Ginny, your first point applies regardless of whether it is a fence or any inprovements; it depends on your offer relative to the vale and price of the home.

Ginny, this would kill a deal here!    If you want a fence, know the cost and go forward with the home you desire.

I will try for a fence with new construction and if other nearby homes have them. I figure that with the Builder getting a little break on price, it should be a throw-in with a good offer, or a cheap add-on. Don't mess with them on "used" homes.

If you have other offers, why would you even think of accepting an offer where you have to install a fence.  What if the buyer doesn't like the fence after it is installed, then what.  If I were the buyer's agent, I would suggest that the buyer get an estimate for a fence and make an offer without the fence, so you are on a level playing field with the rest of the offers.