What is a reasonable counter offer on a house?

Asked by: Oren Prohaska  |  Last update: May 11, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (58 votes)

Here, home sellers tend to be more willing to negotiate, because offers are few and far between. “In a buyer's market, I would not hesitate to submit an offer that's around 10% below asking,” advises Chris Cloud of Exit Heritage Realty in Haymarket, VA. “Most sellers will at least see that as worthy of a counteroffer.”

Is a 20% counter offer too much?

If the salary offered is within the low range for similar positions, consider an initial counteroffer 10-20% higher, and if the salary offered is within the average range, consider a counteroffer 5-7% higher. In addition to compensation data, you should research the cost of living for the area you'll be working in.

What percent can you negotiate off a house?

How much can I negotiate on a new house? In a buyer's market, it can be acceptable to offer up to 20% under a seller's asking price, assuming the home in question requires hefty repairs. Otherwise, you're better off negotiating 1% – 10% below the asking price.

What is a respectable counter offer?

A good range for a counter is between 10% and 20% above their initial offer. On the low end, 10% is enough to make a counter worthwhile, but not enough to cause anyone any heartburn.

What is an acceptable counter offer on a house?

The home seller may counter with a higher price than the buyer's original offer, but lower than the original asking price. If the buyer thinks the price is still high, they could counter it.

Real Estate Counter Offer Etiquette | The Do's and Don't's

19 related questions found

How to ask for a lower price politely?

Top eight phrases to use when negotiating a lower price
  1. All I have in my budget is X.
  2. What would your cash price be?
  3. How far can you come down in price to meet me?
  4. What? or Wow.
  5. Is that the best you can do?
  6. Ill give you X if we can close the deal now.
  7. Ill agree to this price if you.
  8. Your competitor offers.

Do sellers always counter offer?

The best-case scenario when you submit an offer on a home is that the seller accepts it with no conditions. However, it's normal for sellers to respond with a counteroffer, which means they're open to begin negotiations.

Can a seller accept another offer after a counter offer?

While laws vary by state, in general, up until that contract is signed by both parties—even after counteroffers have been sent out—all new offers can be considered and accepted. Once both parties have signed it, however, the seller is pretty much locked into the deal.

What is considered a reasonable offer?

Less than 10% below: If the property is in fair condition but requires some cosmetic repairs, this is a suitable price range. If the home is move-in ready and doesn't require any cosmetic updating, shoot for an offer closer to the asking price. This will decrease the chances of requiring a counteroffer.

How to counter a low ball offer on your house?

You can say you are willing to negotiate but you want to hear an offer that is serious. Another avenue is to make a counter-offer that is a price slightly below your asking price, even if it's just $1,000 less. You should reiterate that you are willing to negotiate, but only with serious offers.

Is it OK to offer 10% below asking price house?

Here, home sellers tend to be more willing to negotiate, because offers are few and far between. “In a buyer's market, I would not hesitate to submit an offer that's around 10% below asking,” advises Chris Cloud of EXIT Heritage Realty in Haymarket, VA. “Most sellers will at least see that as worthy of a counteroffer.”

What is not a smart way to negotiate when buying a home?

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.

What is considered a lowball offer on a house?

By strict definition, a lowball offer is one that is significantly below market value. In practice, an offer is considered "lowball" if it is significantly below a seller's asking price. Understanding this distinction between market value and asking price is critical to your success.

Why accepting a counteroffer is a big mistake?

Your loyalty will be questioned

If you accept a counteroffer from your current employer after already accepting another offer, it will likely damage your relationship with both your current and future employers.

How long to hear back after a counter offer?

A reasonable amount of time to respond to a counter offer is within 24-48 hours. This allows the employer to make a well-informed decision and also shows respect for the candidate's time. It might take a few days in certain situations, like when a budget needs to be approved.

How to ask for a counter offer politely?

To ask for a counter offer politely, start by expressing your gratitude for the job offer and your enthusiasm about the opportunity. Then, explain your reasons for seeking a counter offer, emphasizing your qualifications and what you can bring to the organization.

What is the golden rule when negotiating offers?

The first Golden Rule is essential to success in any negotiation: Information Is Power—So Get It! It's critical to ask questions and get as much relevant information as you can throughout the negotiation process. You need sufficient information to set aggressive, realistic goals and to evaluate the other side's goals.

What is a respectable offer on a home?

You need to determine how much you can afford to spend on a house that you may have fallen in love with or is in an area where you want to live — or both! If this is The One, then you will want to make a house offer that is at least near the asking price — perhaps within 5 percent to 10 percent.

How long should a house be on the market before you reduce the price?

“Once you've been on the market for five weeks or so, you're chasing the market,” says Mike King, an agent with the Partners Trust Realty in Brentwood, CA. If you haven't seen any action in a while, it might be time to take your house off the market, do some touch-ups, and relist.

Can you ask a realtor what the highest offer is?

While some REALTORS® may be reluctant to disclose terms of offers, even at the direction of their seller-clients, the Code of Ethics does not prohibit such disclosure. In some cases state law or real estate regulations may limit the ability of brokers to disclose the existence or terms of offers to third parties.

Can a buyer back out of a counter offer?

The buyer is free to accept, reject or make another counter-offer. Here's what to know about this common negotiating tactic, and how it applies to buying and selling property.

How long should you wait to counter offer on a house?

Legally speaking, there is no set amount of time that a seller has to respond to a counter-offer unless there is some provision in the initial offer. In practice, however, it is generally expected that the seller will respond within a reasonable amount of time, usually within a few days.

How much of a counter offer is too much?

You want to give the employer an opportunity to make a higher offer without pushing too hard. The rule of thumb when you negotiate salary with a counteroffer is between 10% and 20% of the offer amount.

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.

When should you not accept a counter offer?

It would be best if you did not accept a counteroffer when it is more than the salary you are unhappy with, when the job does not have room for promotions, and when the career does not fit your long term goals.