Offering 1% to 4% below asking may not seem like a lot of savings when you're spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, but the reduced price will make your mortgage payments less every month. You may want to offer below 5% when you're paying with cash or when the market is more balanced.
“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.”
Is It a Good Time to Buy a House in California? If the California housing market predictions are accurate, 2023 will be a better year to buy a home in many counties. Prices are forecasted to be at some of the lowest levels since the pandemic real estate boom began, and inventory is increasing.
When it comes to cash, the buyer either has it or they don't. As long as the funds have been verified, there is very little chance that the deal will fall through. This increased confidence in the sale is one of the biggest reasons why sellers prefer cash offers.
In a buyer's market, you may be able to go 10% or 20% below the home's asking price — especially if you're paying cash or the home is in bad condition. Some agents recommend never offering less than 25% below asking.
Cash buyers will often, but not always, offer below the asking price or market value of the home. This is seen by many as a 'cash buyer discount'. Many sellers will see this lower offer as an acceptable 'payment' in return for the quicker and more secure house sale that usually comes with cash house buyers.
Counter-offer pros and cons for buyers
The major benefit of a counter-offer for buyers is the potential to secure the home for less money and on better terms, always a good thing. However, if you really want the house, it's not a great idea to go back and forth too many times with counter-offers.
Cash Sales Save Money
Selling a home traditionally includes numerous costs, such as appraisal costs, processing fees, loan fees and credit checks. Taking cash offers helps eliminate these costs, which can help sellers and buyers in numerous circumstances. Cash buyers also pay less over time.
Sellers typically prefer cash offers because they greatly reduce the risk that the sale will stall or fall through as a result of an issue with the lender and because cash sales tend to be much speedier than traditional sales. Further, avoiding pricey realtor commissions can be exceptionally motivating.
For sellers, the biggest perk of a cash offer is the surety it comes with — particularly in a volatile rate environment. Mortgaged buyers just come with more risk than cash-backed ones. Namely, they should have finance contingencies in their contracts, which allow them to back out if their loan doesn't come through.
“The housing market is off to a good start this year, as consumers benefit from falling mortgage rates,” said NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun in the association's December pending home sales report. NAR forecasts that sales will rise by 13 percent in 2024.
If the news of a potential recession worries you, it's likely best to wait, particularly if your main income source is susceptible to an economic downturn. Just like you can't time success in the stock market, trying to time the real estate market is just as futile.
Average 30-Year Fixed Rate
After hitting record-low territory in 2020 and 2021, mortgage rates climbed to a 23-year high in 2023. Many experts and industry authorities believe they will follow a downward trajectory into 2024.
20% Below Asking
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.
ESTIMATED SALES PRICE X 70% – REHAB COSTS = MAX OFFER
Typically with this calculation, the real estate investor will gross 30% in additional income. This money will go toward holding costs, insurance, overhead, and other expenses.
In a buyer's market, there are fewer qualified buyers than there are houses for sale, which gives buyers some leverage. Not only that, if a house has been on the market for a while, the seller is more likely to accept a lower offer to close the deal. The condition of the home is also another big negotiating point.
Cash offers aren't actually all-cash
When purchasing a house, there are various financing options to consider for covering the cost, including but not limited to conventional loans and FHA loans. Some buyers opt for an all-cash offer. Despite how it sounds, actual cash isn't what's exchanged.
In an all-cash offer, the buyer can negotiate to reduce or waive some of the contingencies to make the deal more attractive to the seller. In some cases, the seller may be unwilling or unable to make repairs or renovations to the property before the sale.
You avoid additional fees
Some fees you will avoid by using cash instead of credit include: Annual Fee: This fee can range from $95 - $500 a year to use some credit cards. This fee will be reoccurring in most cases, or it will occur one-time during the first year of the credit card's use.
Not enough money for closing
Since cash sales are typically directly between the homeowner and homebuyer, no realtor fees are involved. This can help the buyer save more, but they must still factor in those closing costs. If they don't, there is a chance they won't have enough to close on the sale.
Offering 20% or more below the asking price
To make a significantly lower offer of 20% or more, you have to be in a buyer's market where there are many more houses for sale than buyers. If a home won't sell after six or more months on the market, that's a sign it's a good time to strike with an offer this low.
For example, let's say you see similar homes being sold for $10,000 to $15,000 less than the asking price of your potential home. If you're in a buyer's market, it's probably safe to make an offer $10,000 below the asking price.
Mistake No. 2: Showing you can afford much more than your offer. Yes, you want to be a strong buyer and having a pre-approval letter in hand will lend you credibility—but you don't want to let the seller know you can actually afford much more than what's on the table.