My best advice for sellers
In this buyer’s market where offers are few and far between compared to a couple of year back, and those that are forthcoming are often falling short of seller’s expectations, it is the wise seller who can see beyong the perceived insult of a low offer and respond in a postive manner. Unfortunately, often sellers react very negatively and turn down the offer out of hand which I feel is a mistake as you do not know when your next opportunity to sell will appear.
When presenting a less than desirable offer to my sellers, as they express outrage and suprise that the agent would write such an offer, I tell them that when representing buyers, I too sometimes write these same types of offers. I explain that it is just “buyers being buyers” and the sooner they realize it is not personal or a reflection of the quality of their property, the sooner they will be able to move forward towards a sale.
My best advice can be summed up in one word “COUNTER.” A counter offer is a 2 page document, takes about 15 minutes of your time and may, just may, lead to a sale. If you do not counter, you are pretty much guarenteed “no sale” from that buyer. Many buyers are willing and able to move off their initial price, but unless you COUNTER, you’ll never know if this buyer is serious or just bargain hunting. Then again, you may get to the point in your effort to sell that you wish you had accepted or countered that offer you so readily brushed off several months ago. Don’t let yourself get to that point. Instead, take a deep breath and write that Counter. Thats my best advice for today.
Aloha Elaine
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