The basics of navigating a counter offer as a home seller

by Marianna E Perez 09/03/2023

How to assess when it's a good idea to counter offer featured image

If you're on the fence about whether to reject or accept an offer to purchase, you may be pondering over a third option: submitting a counteroffer. 

Deciding to counter-offer can be a tough decision for first-time and experienced house sellers alike. However, with the right preparation and research, you can handle submitting a counteroffer with confidence. 

Assess your residence

Even though your home’s initial asking price is not set in stone, you likely have expectations about how much your home should be sold for. If a homebuyer submits an offer to purchase that falls below your expectations, assessing your residence can help you make the best-possible decision.

For instance, if your home is in great condition and has unique aspects worthwhile to buyers, when a low offer is submitted, you may want to consider countering the offer. This can give you a better idea if the potential buyer is financially flexible and helps you to get an offer closer to what you think your home is worth. 

Review the housing market

Housing market data can help home sellers make informed decisions as they sell their home.  

It's beneficial to examine the prices of similar properties being sold in your area. This can help you determine if an offer meets your needs and industry standards, or if it falls too low. 

Work with a real estate agent

A real estate agent is a house selling expert who can allocate the necessary time and resources to help you review an offer to purchase. They can provide a recommendation about whether to counter a homebuying proposal and review all available information to see if this is the best course of action. 

Using the aforementioned tips, you can perform a full evaluation of an offer to purchase and proceed accordingly.


About the Author
Author

Marianna E Perez

Marianna E. Perez is a Real Estate professional with over 20 years of experience. A lifelong resident of South Florida, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the latest trends and movements in the real estate market. She offers clients top-notch guidance from start to finish, ensuring the entire process is seamless, efficient and rewarding. Prior to entering real estate, Marianna was Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Banking at City National Bank of Florida. She provided strategic leadership facilitating profitable and efficient origination of real estate loans. Marianna was a trusted advisor to clients and to the bank growing a real estate portfolio to over $300 million. She is firmly committed to the philosophy “not quantity, but quality,” which she practices in both her personal and professional life. Marianna is a graduate of FIU where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. She is a member of the Miami Association of Realtors, a lifetime board member of the BASF (Builders Association of South Florida), a member of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women), and ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers). She is also involved with the Women’s Leadership Council (United Way TNC). In addition, Marianna has received these special industry accolades: Housing Hall of Fame inductee 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Associate of the Year 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Florida’s Best Awards Chair 2016 and 2004 Builders Association of South Florida, Vice President 2008 Builders Association of South Florida, President’s Award 2008 and 2003