Should sellers negotiate or walk away?
Selling a home can be an emotional process, and receiving a low offer can feel discouraging—especially in a market where well-maintained homes are in demand. However, a low offer isn’t always a lost opportunity. In many cases, it can be the starting point for a successful negotiation. So, how should sellers on the Sunshine Coast respond to lowball offers? Here’s what to consider before deciding whether to negotiate or walk away.
1. Assess the Offer: Is It Low or Just Strategic?
Not all low offers are created equal. Some buyers submit an initial offer below asking price as a negotiation tactic, while others may truly be stretching their budget. Before reacting, consider:
✔ How far below asking price is the offer? A slightly lower offer may be reasonable in today’s market, while an extremely low offer may indicate a buyer fishing for a deal.
✔ What are the terms? A lower price with favorable terms (such as a quick closing or few contingencies) might still be worth considering.
✔ What’s the market doing? If homes are sitting longer, negotiating might be better than waiting indefinitely for another offer.
2. Keep Emotions in Check
It’s easy to take a low offer personally, but it’s important to stay objective. Buyers are looking for the best deal they can get—just like you would if you were purchasing a home. Instead of viewing a low offer as an insult, see it as an opening for discussion.
👉 Pro Tip: Responding with a counteroffer instead of rejecting outright keeps the conversation going and signals that you’re willing to negotiate.
3. Know Your Bottom Line
Before you list your home, it’s helpful to determine your absolute minimum price. This will help you stay firm when faced with an offer that doesn’t meet your needs. Consider:
💰 Your financial goals – How much do you need from the sale to make your next move?
🏠 Your home’s market value – Is the offer in line with recent comparable sales?
⏳ Your timeline – If you need to sell quickly, you may be more willing to negotiate than if you have time to wait.
If the offer is far below your bottom line, walking away might be the right choice—but only after giving the buyer a chance to improve their terms.
4. Counteroffer with Confidence
If the offer is lower than expected but not unreasonable, countering is your best move. Here’s how to make your counteroffer effective:
✔ Stay firm, but flexible – Counter with a price closer to your asking price, but consider adjusting other terms (e.g., offering flexibility on possession dates).
✔ Highlight your home’s value – If the buyer is undervaluing your property, provide recent comparable sales to justify your price.
✔ Add value instead of reducing price – Offering to cover some closing costs or include appliances can sweeten the deal without lowering your bottom line.
5. When to Walk Away
Not every low offer is worth negotiating. It may be best to walk away if:
🚫 The buyer refuses to budge on an offer that’s far below market value.
🚫 The terms of the deal (such as excessive contingencies) make it too risky or complicated.
🚫 The market is strong, and you’re confident a better offer will come along.
However, in a slower market, keeping the negotiation open might be the smarter move—even if it means small compromises.
Final Thoughts
Receiving a low offer isn’t always bad news—it’s often just the first step in negotiation. By staying objective, knowing your home’s worth, and responding strategically, you can turn a lowball offer into a solid deal.