The Ultimate Pre-Listing Checklist: Everything You Need to Do Before Putting Your Home on the Market

Selling your home is an exciting but sometimes stressful process—especially when you receive a lowball offer. While it can be frustrating to see an offer far below your asking price, handling it strategically and professionally can turn the situation in your favor.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to handle lowball offers, how to negotiate effectively, and when to stand firm or walk away.

A lowball offer is when a potential buyer submits an offer that is significantly below the listing price—typically 20% or more under market value. These offers can feel discouraging, but they don’t always mean the buyer is unwilling to negotiate. Some buyers use lowball offers as a starting point, hoping to test your flexibility.

Common reasons buyers submit lowball offers include:
- They are investors or cash buyers looking for a deal.
- They are unaware of current market conditions and assume homes are overpriced.
- They are bargain hunters hoping to find a seller in distress.
- They believe your home has issues that justify a lower price.

Rather than taking offense, approach a lowball offer as a negotiation opportunity.

1. Stay Calm and Professional
Receiving a lowball offer can feel insulting, but don’t take it personally. Real estate negotiations are business transactions, and emotions can cloud judgment. A calm, professional approach increases the chances of securing a better counteroffer.

2. Assess the Offer Objectively
Before rejecting an offer outright, evaluate the buyer’s position and market conditions. Ask yourself:
- Is the buyer pre-approved? Serious buyers with financing in place are more likely to negotiate realistically.
- Is the local market slow or competitive? In a buyer’s market, lowball offers are more common.
- Are there other offers? If you have multiple offers, you have stronger leverage.

If market data suggests your price is fair, use comparable sales (comps) to justify your counteroffer.

3. Respond with a Counteroffer
Rather than rejecting the offer immediately, consider countering with a reasonable price. A well-structured counteroffer can signal that you’re willing to negotiate but won’t undervalue your home.

If the buyer submitted an extremely low offer, you can counter closer to your asking price to show your home’s value. If the offer is somewhat reasonable, meet them in the middle to keep negotiations moving forward.

4. Add Value Instead of Lowering the Price
If the buyer is fixated on price, offer non-monetary incentives instead of making a significant price reduction. Consider including:
- Covering some closing costs to ease their upfront expenses.
- Offering home warranties for peace of mind.
- Negotiating repairs instead of price drops.

These alternatives help close the deal without significantly cutting into your profit.

5. Know When to Walk Away
If a buyer refuses to budge from an unreasonably low offer, don’t be afraid to move on. Some buyers are simply looking for the lowest possible deal and may never meet your expectations.

If your home is priced correctly and demand is strong, holding firm can lead to better offers from serious buyers.

Lowball offers are part of the real estate process, but they don’t have to derail your home sale. By staying calm, strategic, and open to negotiation, you can turn a low offer into a successful deal.

Are you preparing to sell your home? **Let’s talk strategy!** Contact us today for expert guidance on **pricing, negotiations, and maximizing your home’s value.**