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Let the Buyers and Sellers Decide

There are quite a few posts about agents being frustrated with buyers who want to put in what they consider a low ball offer. So if you have shown the buyer the comparables and you both have decided that the property is priced correctly and the buyer still feels they want to put in a lower offer seems okay to me. They are buying the property, it is their hard work that will pay the mortgage, it is their life. They have decided that is what the house is worth to them. The seller can say no. The seller has to make the decision to say no not the broker. After all it is the seller's decision.

I do believe that when a buyer finds a house that they really want they make the appropriate offer. Otherwise they just don't really care if they end up buying it or not.

Agents can advise but it is the buyer's and the seller's who have to ultimately make the decision. Not the brokers. Just my 2 cents.

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Posted by Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate on 08/03/2008 05:54 AM

Comments (11)

buyers agent, selling, sellers

11 Comments on Let the Buyers and Sellers Decide

AUG

2008

Ultimately, it's the buyers and sellers who always decide. Agents are there to advise not pressure. But when you have a client who just won't listen to sound advice and "low balls" offer after offer, at some point the agent has to consider whether he's wasting his time.

Ron maybe. Maybe the buyer will tire of making these low ball offers. I have found that when they really want a house they make a reasonable offer.

If you dont ask you will never know. I dont like making dumb offers but if its my buyer client I am obligated to present it. Just dont get your hopes up!

We're just the messenger.... I'm going to submit an offer today on a property that I will be a dual agency, so I have to keep telling the seller, I'm just the messenger.

Buyers and sellers have to decide if the price and value are there...we are just conduits.

Miriam, of course we are working for the buyer but in my area, many of no most of the sellers are back to being realistic. When we share the comps with the buyers the ones who love the house will listen, look at the comps and make a good offer. Those looking for a steal don't . Can I tell you I have never had a low ball over end up getting counter offered fairly? Nope the sellers come back HIGH and so it goes, if it goes.

Sure it is the buyer's and seller's decision, always has been. But I mostly work as a single agent and buyers or sellers rely on me recommendation.

How often do buyers have to lose out on a home they really wanted early in the looking stage? A lot! About 50% of our first offer homes do not work. It is a learning curve for buyers, inevitably they understand what the market will or will not bare...

Miriam, you are right it is the Buyer's and Seller's ultimate decision to accept or reject the offer and not the Broker's. I don't know how many times I've heard an agent say, "The Sellers will never accept that offer". You never know until the offer is presented.

Mariam, your 2 cents has value. We must represent our clients as they direct us as long as it is ethical and within the laws. There is no violation with low-ball offers. Let the seller respond accordingly. I have been surprised at times with what a seller is willing to accept.

Missy I think the point is that even if the counter comes back high IF the buyer really wants the house they will see that they need to come way up. I have had this happen several times, a low ball offer and then the buyer hears it directly from the seller that the seller won't consider their offer and they then increase their offer significantly.

Trey, it's Miriam with an I. I agree sometimes the timing is just right.

Michael, I hear that from agents all the time and I would rather that it was the seller saying it.

Anne, as they should.

Gary, I agree. You can lead a horse to water.....

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