If you receive an offer to purchase from a property buyer and decide to submit a counter-offer, it is important to err on the side of caution. Because if your counter-proposal fails to meet a buyer's expectations, you risk missing out on the opportunity to sell your house and maximize your home sale earnings.
When it comes to reviewing an offer to purchase and submitting a counter-proposal, it helps to prepare as much as possible. Fortunately, we're here to help you perform a full analysis of a homebuying proposal and ensure that you can submit a counter-offer that matches the expectations of both you and a buyer.
Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you put together a "fair" counter-proposal to a buyer's offer to purchase your home.
1. Use Housing Market Data to Your Advantage
Take a look at local housing market data – you'll be glad you did. If you take a data-driven approach to craft a counter-offer, you may be better equipped than ever before to put together a counter-proposal that meets the needs of all parties involved in a property sale.
Analyze the prices of recently sold houses in your city or town that are similar to your own. Furthermore, find out how long these residences were available before they sold. With this housing market data in hand, you should have no trouble crafting a fair counter-proposal.
2. Consider the Buyer's Perspective
As you examine a buyer's initial offer to purchase, think about why this individual chose to submit the proposal. Try not to get emotional if you feel the offer is too low; instead, think about how you can work with a buyer to find common ground.
Oftentimes, it helps to maintain open communication with a buyer. If you put together an counter-proposal that accounts for the buyer's perspective and keep in touch with this individual, you and a buyer may be able to work together to come to a fair agreement.
3. Consult with a Real Estate Agent
If you are unsure about what to propose as part of a counter-offer, there is no need to stress. In fact, if you collaborate with a real estate agent, you can get the assistance you need to craft a counter-proposal that may lead to an instant "Yes" from a buyer.
Usually, a real estate agent will inform you about an offer to purchase your home and provide recommendations and suggestions as you craft a counter-proposal. He or she also will negotiate with a buyer's agent on your behalf. And if you ever have concerns or questions during the property selling journey, a real estate agent is happy to address them.
Allocate time and resources as you craft a counter-offer. If you consider the current state of the real estate market and the buyer's perspective, you could increase your chances of putting together a counter-proposal to close a deal on your home. Perhaps best of all, you can submit a counter-offer that allows both you and a buyer to achieve your respective goals faster than ever before.
About the Author
Meryl Diamond
While I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I have spent the last 27 years living in the Lisle and Naperville area. The first single family home my husband and I ever owned was in Green Trails, Lisle. There were two things we loved about living in Green Trails - the sense of community and all the green space. This was a dream come true for my children who always had a friend to play with or a babysitter near by. For me, it gave me a chance to get to know the neighbors whom I have built lifelong friendships with. From neighborhood garage sales to summer barbeques, we always found reason to come together.
