Special offer

Why isn't the seller accepting my offer that is 50% below the asking price?

By
Real Estate Agent with The Paul Kaplan Group, Inc

What is a realistic offer in this market? Clients come to me all the time and say, "I WANT A DEAL."  The media talks about all the great deals in real estate- and there certainly are bargains to be had! You may find good buys on properties priced 50% below what the property previously sold for  However,  here is the reality:

SELLERS ARE NOT ACCEPTING OFFERS 50% BELOW ASKING 

Buyers need to be realistic and study the local statistics when making offers. There are numerous issues to consider when making an offer, among them, the days on the market, comps, the condition of the property and location. Do you really want to purchase a property? If so, the buyer's goal should be to make a reasonable offer that a seller will respond to, and that could actually turn into a negotiated acceptance.

In the city of Palm Springs, here are the stats since August 08 from the MLS:

Condos

# of Sales    Average Days on the market    Avg Sales price as % of Asking Price  Lowest %   High %

131                                    111                                       94.4%                            70%           117%

Single family homes

144                                    111                                       94.06%                          77%          119%

As can be seen, no deals were accepted below 70% of the asking price.  The average is 94%.  And in some cases, when properties are priced well, they are selling at over the asking price, with multiple offers.

YES you can find a great buy in today's market.  There are DEALS to be had.  Prices are the lowest they've been in 5 years!  My goal as your agent, is to negotiate that excellent buy for you.  However, start the process with realistic expectations.  Maybe you'll buy a property at 95% of asking price-  that's still going to be 50% less then what it was valued at 4 years ago and you'll be walking away with the buy of a lifetime.

Contact me today at paulkaplan5@aol.com or call at 760-285-8559 and let me show you what great deals are out there in today's bargain priced market.

James Engel
Keller Williams Realty Beverly Hills - Beverly Hills, CA
KW Beverly Hills

Whenever I call a listing agent that seems to have a deal of a listing they usually get multiple offers and some all cash, it may be a tough market, but there are plenty of investors out there to bid on deals to even the playing field

Oct 29, 2008 12:14 PM
Steve Dawson
J. Rockcliff Realtors (#01723588) - Walnut Creek, CA

I guess you have to be good at communication with your buyers and explain to them the situation.  Sometimes it is in one ear and out the other though.

Oct 29, 2008 12:39 PM
Maria Ferreira
Exit Realty South - Charlotte, NC

As realtors, we need to help our buyers to make resonables offers when the time comes. We need to help them to get a good deal, however, we need to respect the sellers and avoid insulting them with offers that make no sensse. Its great to get a good deal, but still we need to be just and fair. for more infomation on buying and selling a home, go to www.yourcharlotteagents.com

thanks

Maria

Oct 29, 2008 12:40 PM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Hi Paul

Not all buyers are realistic, and some are just trying to steal a property. We can chose who we invest our time with.

Good luck and success

Lou Ludwig

Oct 29, 2008 12:41 PM
Don Fabrizio-Garcia
Fab Real Estate - Danbury, CT
Owner/Broker/Trainer - Fab Real Estate

You said it well.  50% below list price won't fly - even if at list price it is grossly overpriced.

If you are serious about buying a home, we will find homes that are priced well and make reasonable offers.  Yes, I will try to negotiate the lowest price for my buyers, but I will not waste my time on those with unrealistic expectations or those looking to "steal" a home.  Yes, I've had potential buyers ask me where the "steals" are. 

Even with short sales, the lender will want the offer to be at or near current market value.  No one is giving homes away.  And, remember, the homes are priced much less than they were a couple of years ago!

Oct 29, 2008 01:18 PM