Receiving a lowball offer can feel like a punch to the gut. After all the effort you’ve put into listing your home—cleaning, staging, photography, and pricing - getting an offer significantly below asking can feel insulting. But before you write it off, take a step back. A low offer isn’t always a lost cause - it might actually be telling you something valuable about your listing or the market itself. Let’s break down what lowball offers really say and how you can respond with confidence and strategy.

What Counts as a Lowball Offer?

A lowball offer is typically one that’s at least 10–20% below the asking price. In hot markets, even 5% below asking can feel like a low blow. But in slower markets, these offers may be more common - and sometimes even strategic.

Buyers might lowball because they think the home is overpriced, because they want to test your motivation to sell, or because they're simply hoping for a lucky deal.  

If the offer is from an investor who plans to buy, fix and then flip the property, that buyer may bring in a lowball offer because they need to factor in purchase price, renovation costs and his/her profit margins.

Regardless of the reason, how you respond matters more than you might think.

What a Low Offer Might Be Telling You?

Lowball offers can be frustrating - but they can also be revealing. Here’s what they might indicate:

Pricing Concerns
 

The most common reason for a lowball offer is that the buyer (or their agent) believes your home is overpriced compared to similar properties in the area. Even if your home has emotional value to you, buyers are comparing it to objective data.

Weak First Impression
 

Photos that don’t pop, poor lighting, outdated décor, or minor visible flaws can make a listing look less valuable. A low offer might reflect a buyer’s attempt to compensate for what they see as future renovation costs.

Days on Market
 

If your listing has been sitting for a while, buyers may assume you’re becoming desperate to sell. This can open the door to opportunistic offers.

Misaligned Features
 

Sometimes it’s about fit. If your home has unique features or an unconventional layout, it might appeal to a smaller buyer pool. Fewer interested buyers can lead to more aggressive offers.

How to Respond Strategically?
 

Instead of dismissing a low offer out of frustration, use it as a strategic moment. Here’s how:

Stay Calm and Professional

Avoid taking the offer personally. It’s just business. Buyers are trying to get the best deal - they’re not commenting on your worth or your home’s value to you.

Counteroffer with Confidence
 

Instead of rejecting outright, make a thoughtful counteroffer. Many buyers start low expecting to meet in the middle. You never know how serious they might be unless you keep the conversation going.

Re-evaluate Your Strategy
 

If lowball offers are a pattern, it might be time to reassess. Is the pricing realistic given current market conditions? Could the photos or staging use a refresh? A small change can lead to a big difference in perception.

Rely on Your Realtor
 

Your real estate agent has seen it all. They can provide context, guide your pricing decisions, and negotiate on your behalf to help you walk away with a strong deal.

Know Your Floor Price

Have a clear sense of your lowest acceptable price - and stick to it. That clarity will help you negotiate effectively and avoid emotional decision-making.

Lowball offers might sting at first, but they don’t have to derail your home-selling journey. Sometimes, they’re just the start of a productive negotiation – or a signal that something about your listing needs attention. With the right strategy, even a low offer can turn into a great deal. 

Thinking of listing your home but are unsure how to handle incoming offers? Let’s talk. A smart strategy makes all the difference.

Please reach out by calling me at 905-683-7800.  Or you can email me at brian@briankondo.com.








 

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Brian Kondo
Sales Representative / Team Leader
The Brian Kondo Real Estate Team
Re/Max Hallmark First Group Realty Ltd.
905-683-7800 office
905-426-7484 direct
brian@briankondo.com
www.BrianKondo.com
www.BrianKondoTeam.com

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