How much lower should a cash offer be?

Asked by: Napoleon Raynor  |  Last update: December 12, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (52 votes)

“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.”

How much lower can you offer with a cash offer?

Can you offer less than market value with an all-cash offer? You can offer whatever you like, no matter how you're paying. But a seller may be more inclined to accept a lower offer if it is all-cash. On the other hand, if it's a hot listing with multiple offers, they may not accept a low offer even if it's in cash.

Can I offer 20% below the asking price?

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.

What is a fair cash offer?

Some cash home buying companies will pay as little as 50% of the after-repair value (ARV) of your home, while others may offer up to 85%. Use the 70% ARV formula (estimated sales price x 70% - repair costs = max offer) to see what you might expect.

Do cash offers ever fall through?

Yes, a cash offer can collapse if you cannot furnish sufficient proof of funds or come up with the money needed to close the deal. Or, the homebuyer can cancel the deal within the agreed-upon due diligence timeframe if they change their mind due to concerns over an inspection report or other issues with the house.

Pros and Cons to the ALL CASH offer in Real Estate. Audra Lambert 2024

34 related questions found

Do realtors like cash offers?

To cut to the chase, it really depends. Cash offers can benefit sellers by ensuring quick closings and fewer contingencies. But, if maximizing profit is your goal, financed offers may be better. The best choice depends on the seller's priorities and specific circumstances.

At what point do most house sales fall through?

Common Reasons Pending Sales Don't Cross the Finish Line
  • The appraisal is lower than the sale price. ...
  • The buyer can't sell their old home. ...
  • There are issues with the title. ...
  • The home isn't insurable. ...
  • The buyer is inexperienced. ...
  • There are details missing on the paperwork. ...
  • The buyer or seller gets cold feet.

How much less to offer on land?

For land buyers, a good rule of thumb is an offer at least 80 percent of the list price to ensure a positive response from the seller, Stout advises. “A lot of people will bring up, 'Oh, well, the property has been on the market for a long time,'” she says. As a test, these buyers will lowball an offer.

Do cash offers close faster?

Cash offers can be appealing, as they close more quickly and are less likely to fall through because there are no lenders involved. But it's important to do your due diligence when dealing with cash-homebuying operations.

What is a typical cash for keys offer?

How much should I offer for cash for keys? The amount of money you offer varies depending on where you live, the cost of living in your location, and local/state laws. Generally, the amount is usually a half month's rent plus the security deposit or a full month's rent.

Can I offer 50k less on a house?

Probably not a good idea to go in with a lowball offer $50,000 below asking price. A whole year on the market, with price reductions? Go ahead and roll the dice. The longer a house has been on the market, the less of an upper hand the seller has in negotiation.”

What is a polite way to ask for a lower price?

One possible phrase to use when negotiating a lower price is, “Is there any wiggle room on the price?” This phrase politely asks if the seller is willing to negotiate.

What is the lowest you can offer on a house?

If you are in a buyer's market, or simply don't think the list price matches the value of the home, you can choose to make an offer below list price. Technically, there are no rules on how low you can go. But if you want the seller to accept your offer, try to stay reasonable.

How much lower can you offer than asking price?

It's often reasonable to offer 1 to 4 percent below asking price, but putting in an offer for half (or even 75 percent) of the home's list price is the best way to offend the seller and get your offer thrown in the trash. You may even be able to offer 5 percent below asking price if you're paying with cash.

Is a seller more likely to accept a cash offer?

That depends on the offer — and the seller. If you're looking to sell your house fast or don't want to deal with contingencies, a cash offer may be ideal for you. But if you might need more time to find a new home or want to be sure you're maximizing your profits, you could be better off with a mortgaged buyer.

How do you counter a cash offer?

How do you counter a cash offer? It is a challenge, but there are many ways to compete with a cash offer. Make it easy for the seller to accept your offer by getting creative; consider paying for a seller's closing costs, using a cash lender, adding an escalation clause, and communicating well with the seller's agent.

How much lower are cash offers?

The convenience and certainty of all-cash offers appeals to sellers so much so, that they pay on average 10 % less than mortgage buyers, according to a new study from the University of California San Diego Rady School of Management.

What is the fastest you can close on a house?

However, some mortgage lenders promise speedy closing timelines, as fast as seven to 10 days in some cases. The fastest closing timelines are typically when the buyer pays cash and can skip the appraisal process. Your best bet? Budget for a 45-day closing process, from accepted offer to closing day.

Why would a seller reject a cash offer?

The Problem with Cash Offers

The primary reason? Sellers are reluctant to accept offers that significantly undervalue their properties. Even with distressed properties, owners are often unwilling to sell for “pennies on the dollar.” "Even if their property is falling down, they still are not going to give it away."

Is a cash offer on a land a good idea?

Paying cash for raw land is a great way to be competitive with your offer and save money in the long-term. An all-cash purchase certainly has its benefits – a quick closing, a seller more likely to accept your offer, and you don't have to wait on appraisers, attorneys, lenders, etc.

How to tell if land is overpriced?

5 Ways to Tell If a Property Is Overvalued
  1. 5 Ways to Tell If a Property Is Overvalued.
  2. It's been on the market a while. ...
  3. It's priced higher than other similar properties in the area. ...
  4. It's a For Sale by Owner. ...
  5. Nearby homes are selling much faster. ...
  6. There aren't many showings or online views.

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.

Do sellers usually go for highest offer?

Home sellers typically choose convenience over a higher-priced offer because it could mean fewer headaches during the process.”

Is the seller usually at closing?

Usually, by closing day, the seller has packed up and departed. On closing day itself, the homebuyer must sign a lot of paperwork that finalizes the deal.

How often do buyers back out after an inspection?

Here's how often do buyers back out after home inspection - around 3.9% of the time. This is perfectly legal under certain circumstances. The majority of real estate contracts include a variety of contingency clauses that allow the parties to breach the contract if some of the conditions aren't met.