There is this home I like and it is forclosed. But it has only been on the market 2 days. It is listed at $129,999.00 and I am sure it is well worth that much. My realtor said that since it's only been on the market a short time (2 days) that she really can't offer less than asking price, because we need to ask for concessions, which will be around $6,000.00. She said she could try offering less if we wanted to though. What should I offer? It needs all new carpet and comes with no appliances so I would have to pay for those as well. I was under the impression that with so many forclosures (I am in MI) that you could always offer quite a bit less. I am talking like, maybe offer $120,000.00 and ask for closing costs. What do you think?
2007-10-27 07:59:28 · 9 answers · asked by Olivia 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Offer what you wish, but it is doubtful they will accept your low offer this early.
Keep an eye on the property, after four months they may lower their asking.
2007-10-27 08:08:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Maybe this varies by state, but in Florida a REALTOR is obligated to make the offer the buyer wants to make. The REALTOR can give you counsel and advice, but cannot tell you what to offer nor refuse to make an offer you want to make.
When making an offer on a foreclosure, a lot will depend on whether the lender will accept less that what is owed, i.e. short sale. In Florida if a listing might end up being a short sale, that must be disclosed. Ask your agent to find out.
If it is a short sale, negotiating will take a LOT of time...the lender will have to approve your offer if it will end up netting the lender less than the mortgage balance, and lenders usually move at a snail's pace!
Whether or not it's a short sale, there are all kinds of negotiating angles. For example, if you can close quickly, that's a plus.
Not knowing all the details it's hard to give a concrete answer.
Contact me directly if you want more help.
Good luck!
2007-10-27 08:15:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brad, as I'm an sure your Realtor told you, you should always make your best offer. In this situation you mention needed some concessions of about $6,000. First what you will find is that the asking price in most cases is what the lender needs to recoup their costs for selling. They aren't in the business to make money on houses. They make money on money. So again, make your best offer. And know this, sometimes a lower offer will be accepted, but most will counter offer. I'm sure your Realtor has explained that it may take some time for you to get an answer in this case.
Good Luck!
2007-10-27 08:14:09 · answer #3 · answered by Alterfemego 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a buyers market. I tell my buyers to offer low and ask for all of their costs be paid. Alot of the agents in my office feel I should help them out when I have buyers making offers on their listings. It's business. I am in California and there are thousands of foreclosures. Some agents are uncomfortable making low ball offers, sounds like thats the case here. If she cant negotiate the best deal for YOU, you need to find a different agent that will have YOUR best interest first. The worst that can happen is they will counter offer your offer and if the price is still unsatisfactory to you, you can counter their counter and go back and forth until you find a compromise. Right now, I doubt any seller--bank or otherwise--will reject any offer right off the bat.
Also, maybe your agent should submit the low offer with a cover letter showing them the benefit of accepting your offer in this market. It is in the best interest of the bank to get rid of the property ASAP and right now theres not a ton of buyers buying (at least not in my area). Good luck.
2007-10-27 08:52:20 · answer #4 · answered by csusb_girlie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The realtors are to make money, they make more by making you pay more. Tell (dont ask) your realtor to offer what your number is. My rule of thumb is start at the low, you can go up if you want to when you are a buyer. When you are a seller ask for high, at anytime you can lower it.
For foreclosers generally I look at less than 30% of the market value. If you add up the fixes and closing costs + other expenses you should have it at less than 15% thats when its worth buying a foreclosed home. The 15% margin is for the risk you are taking for any unknowns.
Good luck
2007-10-27 08:19:19 · answer #5 · answered by Prasad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your realtor can certainly offer less than asking price, but I'd venture that the lender will reject your offer if the property has only been marketed for two days. Others are correct in that lenders want to sell these properties, but they don't deal well when it's only been out there for a couple of days.
2007-10-27 08:22:23 · answer #6 · answered by acermill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your realtor is not working for you but the buck. Offer less than asking. That's the ideal for sellers. I come in at 20k less .I have bought all seven house I have owned for 10 to 20$$ less that asking.
2007-10-27 08:11:11 · answer #7 · answered by ji m a 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're the potential buyer, not your realtor. TELL her to offer less. If she won't cooperate, find another realtor.
2007-10-27 08:04:28 · answer #8 · answered by npk 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go ahead and tell her to make the offer as YOU have instructed her to, or you'll find another Realtor that will...there is nothing to lose by making an offer, the worst thing that will happen is that will reject or counter.
You have nothing to lose, and she needs to get hopping and stop being lazy.
2007-10-27 08:08:11 · answer #9 · answered by Expert8675309 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋