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Why Sellers Should Never Ignore an Offer

Reblogger Steffy Hristova
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 SA585680000

Blogger Charita Cadenhead makes excellent points that complement my blog post, too.  Three Things Home Sellers Should Know about Multiple Of (activerain.com)

Original content by Charita Cadenhead

We all know that sellers hate it when a buyer submits what is perceived as a lowball offer and it may very well be just that. I say "perceived" because the house could be overpriced. Emotions can run high, and fury may set in as the seller rants to their agent and their agent may join in by fueling the fire rather than trying to temper the situation. The result:  The seller ignores the buyer by not responding at all. It's what adults do when someone insults us, right? We ignore them. The answer is sometimes, but this isn't one of them. There is just too much at stake.

Never Ignore or Be Insulted by a Buyer's Offer

I am not a proponent of not responding to an offer at all no matter how low it is. I get that the seller may be insulted, but by totally ignoring a buyer's offer, it may shut the door in the face of a bona fide buyer. We’re all experienced enough to know that buyers will test the waters and we should relay that to our sellers. At the very least, the seller can respond with "offer rejected."  That way it leaves the door open for the buyer to come back and make a better offer. But by slamming the door on a buyer's offer, it lets the buyer and his agent know a few things:

  1. One or both (seller and agent) don't treat people very well. I'm not suggesting that they become besties with the buyer but we're all adults and should treat each other as such. You know the old "catch more bees with honey" adage.
  2. It's an indicator of how the buyer's side might be frequently ignored during the course of a transaction. Even if ignoring is not intentional, it's a sign that effective communication is not a priority. You know how some seller's agents don't respond as promptly or at all after a contract has been accepted.
  3. It creates a sense of hostility at the onset.

If a seller simply does not respond to or acknowledge an offer in any way, it may eliminate a path for a buyer to come back with some sense of dignity with a revised offer. On the flip side, after the property continues to linger on the market, the seller may have closed the door to an opportunity to revisit the buyer whose offer they ignored. Neigher the buyer or seller wants to feel like they have to grovel and come begging. 

Buying and Selling Real Estate is Not War

Being on opposite sides of a real estate transaction does not mean that the parties have to be hostile to each other. It's a learned behavior by watching and even being taught by others. I've been at meetings where brokers actually recommend that we advise the seller to ignore buyers by not responding at all. Rude habits come from the top down, right? It's a bad habit that needs to stop. Nobody, or should I say, not everyone wants to be on the defensive from contract to close. No one involved is the enemy, at least that's what I hope. The buyer and seller are parties in a transaction and both agents are there to help them navigate the transaction so that their clients have a pleasant experience and not one filled with angst from contract to close.

It's bad enough that the general public don't think very highly of us. It would seem that agents would do a better job of treating their peers more courteously. That does not suggest in any way that our loyalty lies with one another rather than with our clients. It simply means treat others how you want to be treated, especially if no one gives cause to treat them otherwise.

People can stand to be a little nicer, don't you think?

 

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Posted by

Steffy Hristova, MBA, SFR, CNE, Realtor®

HomeSmart Elite Group
Tel:  (602) 710-8161

10601  N. Hayden Rd. I-100
Scottsdale AZ 85260

                                                           http://www.talktosteffy.com                                                               

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Show All Comments Sort:
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Steffy Hristova very valuable detailed report for why sellers should never ignore an offer.

Dec 11, 2023 08:13 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

I had no idea she was still on the platform    as in Charita Cadenhead... I she stopped interacting with me which is fine.... Ironically, I agree with her post and have been telling that to sellers for the past 26+ years, Endre

Dec 11, 2023 09:16 PM
Charita Cadenhead

Thank you @Steffy for reposting.  I appreciate it.  And yep Endre Barath, Jr. it's me and let me just say the last few times I commented on your posts I didn't get a response.  I just figured you had forgotten who I was😀.

Dec 12, 2023 05:54 AM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker
Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.
Dec 12, 2023 02:51 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Excellent points - As a seller, you may feel tempted to ignore a lowball offer from a buyer. Instead, you should always respond to an offer, even if it’s just to reject it or counter with your list price. That way, you keep the door open for negotiation, show respect, and foster a positive relationship. Remember, buying and selling real estate is not war. It’s a business deal that requires professionalism and courtesy.

Dec 12, 2023 04:04 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

An offer starts a conversation. Have a super fantastic week!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Dec 12, 2023 04:30 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hi Steffy... I always tell my own clients there is no such thing as an insulting offer. What's insulting is when no one makes you an offer. An offer is simply a door opening for negotiations.

Dec 12, 2023 07:38 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002