Is 20% off a lowball offer?
Asked by: Cornelius Toy | Last update: August 8, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (27 votes)
Is 20% a lowball offer?
How low is a lowball? Real estate experts differ on what is considered a lowball offer. Many would say that a bid's not a lowball until it's 20-30% under asking. In general, however, conventional real estate wisdom says any offer lower than 90% of the list price can be considered a lowball.
Is 15% off a lowball offer?
Buyers might be trying to get a deal, test the seller's flexibility, or simply see if they can score a bargain. Here are some common characteristics of low-ball offers and what to look for: Significantly below asking price: Typically 10% to 20% or more below the listing price.
Is 25% off a lowball?
Some agents define a low-ball offer as 25% or more below list. In areas where there's a shortage of available homes, that figure may drop to 20%. "What defines lowball varies from market to market and even submarket to submarket, but certainly from price range to price range," says Steve McLinden of Bankrate.com.
What would you consider a lowball offer?
By definition, a lowball offer is an offer that is significantly below market value. This is where the problem can start — in practice, agents and their clients consider a an offer to be a lowball if it's significantly below the asking price.
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Is 30% off a lowball?
The seller may think any price below the asking price a lowball offer if the listed price is already at the bottom of what they want. It's generally accepted that asking over 15% off the sale price is lowballing.
How much of an offer is too low?
“The rule I've always followed is to never go more than 25% below the listed price,” he says. “Chances are, after fees, commission, and sentimental value, the sellers are already hurting. If you dip below that point, they may disregard your offer entirely.”
Can I offer 50k less on a house?
So, in this case, it's best not to lowball at all, and offer list price. How long has the listing been active? You need to pay attention to the property history. It doesn't make sense to submit lowball offer $50,000 below asking price if the property is only been on the market for two days.
Is 10% a lowball offer?
Is 10% A Lowball Offer? Offering 10% under the asking price isn't necessarily a lowball offer. Typically, a lowball offer is considered to be at least 20% below the asking price. If you're offering 10% below, the property should be in a good condition but may just need some cosmetic work done.
How much does 25 off mean?
Discounted price = $100 - $25 = $75. So, a 25% discount on a price of $100 would result in a discounted price of $75.
Do sellers ever accept lower offers?
A low offer may be upsetting to the sellers, but if you and your real estate agent present the offer along with an expression of your appreciation for the property, it's more likely to be accepted than a low offer accompanied by a half-complete contract or an insult about the property's condition.
How do you politely decline a lowball offer?
Keep your message concise, clear, and respectful. Briefly explain that you have carefully considered the offer but have decided to pursue other opportunities that better align with your career goals and compensation expectations. Maintain a positive tone by expressing your willingness to stay connected.
Is offering 15 below asking price too low?
When it's reasonable to offer 11% to 19% below the asking price. Asking for 11% to 19% is acceptable when the house needs updating, but nothing too serious.
Is a 20% counter offer too much?
If the salary offered is within the low range for similar positions, consider an initial counteroffer 10-20% higher, and if the salary offered is within the average range, consider a counteroffer 5-7% higher. In addition to compensation data, you should research the cost of living for the area you'll be working in.
Can I offer 20% below asking price?
Dropping an offer this low is justified if the home needs extensive repairs to bring it up to code or make it livable. If the property has problems like roof damage, plumbing and electrical issues or foundation problems, it may be reasonable to offer 20% below the asking price.
How long is too long for a house to be on the market?
by Elegran | Forbes Global Properties
Stale homes last more than 30 to 90 days after they've been listed on the market. This may raise a red flag for buyers, who begin to wonder why the property isn't selling. In some cases, they ask the seller's agent, “what's wrong with it?”
Is 25% a lowball?
Some agents define a low-ball offer as 25% or more below list. In areas where there's a shortage of available homes, that figure may drop to 20%. “What defines low-ball varies from market to market and even submarket to submarket, but certainly from price range to price range,” says Steve McLinden of Bankrate.com.
How long should a house be on the market before you reduce the price?
“Once you've been on the market for five weeks or so, you're chasing the market,” says Mike King, an agent with the Partners Trust Realty in Brentwood, CA. If you haven't seen any action in a while, it might be time to take your house off the market, do some touch-ups, and relist.
Who typically presents an offer to the seller?
This offer is typically delivered by the buyer's agent to the listing agent, and the listing agent passes on the offer to the seller. The listing agent's job is to help the seller make a decision as fast as possible without rushing them, as well as handle any negotiations.
What house can I buy with 50k salary?
A simple way to estimate affordability is to multiply your annual income by 2.5. With a $50,000 salary, this rule suggests that you can afford a home worth up to $125,000. This is a general guideline that doesn't account for your specific financial situation or location.
Is earnest money refundable?
Is Earnest Money Refundable? Earnest money isn't always refundable. The good news for buyers is in most situations, as long as a buyer acts in good faith, earnest money is refundable. As long as any contract agreements are not broken or decision deadlines are met, buyers usually get their earnest money back.
How do you politely offer less on a house?
It's important to remain polite and understanding when negotiating a house price. Clearly stating your reasons for seeking a lower price can also be helpful. By working with a real estate agent when deciding on an initial offer, you're more likely to offer a price that's competitive but not out of your price range.
How much higher can you negotiate an offer?
Start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above their initial offer. Remember, you're applying for entry level, and you shouldn't expect something on the higher range. Consider negotiating lower if 10-20% places you above the average.
What is the rule of thumb for making an offer on a house?
The rule of thumb is usually between 5 and 10 percent of the home price. Bear in mind that you could lose the money if the deal falls through, so it's important not to put up so much that you'd be ruined if you lost the cash.
How much is a low ball offer on a house?
Talk with your realtor about whether the offer really is a lowball offer. In general, a lowball offer is 15 to 25 percent (or more) below the listed price. However, just because you're getting a $250,000 offer for your home that's listed at $300,000 doesn't automatically mean that it's an unrealistic or lowball offer.