Hi AJ:

I really would not worry about what the seller's agent said - it's kind of irrelevant in what you want to do.

If he does not want to counter offer, it's fine, no big deal, because he is not SO insulted that he would not let you buy the house even if you come up with the price he likes. He just wants more money now.

You are not really trying to 'please' the seller, you are just going to offer something that he is willing to accept and that you are willing to live with.

The thing is, you might be dealing with a seller who does not have to sell and will only sell if he gets a certain amount of money (not a very motivated seller). For all we know, the house might be 20% over the market value, but he won't sell until he gets close to that. So, how do you please him? And if you go ahead and offer 15% over the market value, he is pleased and takes that, will you be happy?

The bottom line is you have to decide what is the right price for you for this particular house. Do you like it so much that you are willing to offer more or it's really not worth either the price the seller is asking for or for you to raise the price. .

So, don't worry about what the agent said. Just figure out what you want, then make that offer. I bet if the number is close, the seller will make a complete turn around and will not be insulted anymore. If not, he'd just wait and if the agent is smart, when he changes his mind, he will contact your agent.

Sylvia

AJ,

**..The seller was insulted by your offer..** ..... ok, whats your point..?

If I had a dollar for every time I heard that .l.o.l..

Buying real estate is a funny thing ...

Sometimes it's the seller, sometimes it's the buyer, sometimes it's the listing agent ... but most times, it's the timing.

Time has a funny way of absorbing ego ... so if you have done your homework properly and your research is accurate for the last 2 or 3 months .. and you know what the "exact" comps were doing 16 months ago, 6 months ago and now .. then there might be a good chance you guys can get together on price ..


Good luck.!

Yes I physically saw this house. I am driving there again to look at it again to see if I want to change my offer. I am now also looking at some other properties in the area. And yes my agent did use those exact words. The seller was insulted by your offer

AJ,


**..I am driving 4 hours to look at the house..**


Did you physically see and touch this house before you made an offer..?


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I agree with Gail. I also prepare both sides for what the other side's response may. I do not, however, tell my buyers that they seller was "insulted" by their offer, even if the seller's agent tells me that. I think it's very unprofessional take make that sort of comment, IMO. Great way to create an adversarial situation, which is what agents generally try to avoid. Did you agent use those exact words? "The seller was insulted by your offer"?

Hi Aj,

I have been of both sides of the buying game. I always tell my clients to respond to All offers and to not be emotional about them. In regards to the home you specifically mentioned you should use your Realtor to convey all the communication between you and the seller and if this home is the one you really want then consider making a higher offer. Good luck.

Let his equity drop a little more and the tax/insurance bills come due. If he hasn't sold by then maybe he will reconsider.

If it is their weekend house then you are playing their game. Unless they have to sell for some reason, it seems they have the upperhand on you. If you really want this particular house then raise your bid because stats don't apply to strong hands.

I prepare my sellers for low offers and council them on separating their emotions from the sale. They are also fully aware of the appraisal value of their properties.

If you pay what they are asking and it does not appraise, will they be willing to come down in price to the appraised value?

I hope you have a Realtor working to represent your best interests; if you are going through the listing agent, it is their job to get your offer up; they represent the seller.

FYI house on market since 8/07. Lowered price once...have been told it is seller's weekender.

Make an offer for the same amount. Have your Realtor provide justification (via comps) for your offer. I could find a lot of homes my family would love, but the question would be whether I could afford them. You have to select a home that you and your family like, and that you can afford. The "right" answer is to ask yourself how much you want the house, and how much you'd be willing to pay for it. And that's good advice, and I'm sure others will offer it. But, unless you're in a time crunch, if his house is overpriced, don't offer more. Wait a while...let reality sink in (no other offers, or no offers as good as yours)...then make the same offer again. And don't worry about insulting the seller. Making an offer based on research and analysis isn't insulting. If anything, you should be insulted by his insistence on an unreasonably high asking price, and his refusal to even negotiate.

Good luck.

Hello AJ,

If your Realtor® looked and compared the comps of the sold homes and came up with a great price up front based on the statistics, then I would say you have submitted a good offer. That does not always mean good for the seller. If you and your family like the house that much, are you WILLING to pay a little extra just to get that house? The market is made up of what buyers are WILLING to pay for a home! So if you are willing, Congrats, and if you are not willing, well then my friend good luck in your search!

:)

It sounds like the seller is 'house proud' which may contribute to why you liked it so much. If your agent thinks the value is there and you can afford it then offer more. However, it is a buyer's market. If the house stays on the market for a while the seller's opinion may change. If you are not willing to offer more or the comps will not support a higher price then ask your realtor to keep you updated of the property stat. Remember- situations change quickly. Your offer may not look attractive today but you never know...