Yes, offering 20% below the asking price is possible, often considered an aggressive or "lowball" offer, but it can be strategic in specific situations, such as a stagnant market, over-priced property, or motivated sellers. While 3–10% is more common, 20% is acceptable if backed by evidence like comparable sales, necessary repairs, or long time-on-market.
A true lowball offer is considered to be 20% off the listing price. For example, if your home is on the market for $850,000 and you receive an offer for $680,000, you've received a low ball offer.
To politely ask for a lower price, be friendly and build rapport, then use phrases like "Is there any flexibility on the price?" or "What's your best price?" while showing genuine interest and explaining your budget constraints, and be prepared to make a reasonable counteroffer or ask for discounts on multiple items. Research market value first to make your request informed and realistic, and focus on finding a mutually beneficial compromise rather than demanding a reduction.
What percentage over the asking price should I offer?
You want to be competitive, but you also don't want to overpay unnecessarily. In general, buyers tend to offer anywhere from 5% to 15% over the asking price, depending on local demand. That said, it really comes down to what you can afford and how much you want the property.
Start low: When you are making an offer on a house, a good rule of thumb is to offer 5% to 10% lower than the asking price. Sellers often take this into account and market their property for more than they would accept.
How to get your offer accepted 20% below asking price (actual story)
What are the 4 golden rules of negotiation?
These golden rules: Never Sell; Build Trust; Come from a Position of Strength; and Know When to Walk Away should allow you as a seller to avoid negotiating as much as possible and win.
Is a 20% discount too much? Generally, no. A 20% discount is often a great choice. It's significant enough to motivate customers but usually manageable for most businesses.
A lowball offer is considered a bid that comes in significantly below the asking price, typically 20% to 25% less than or more than the asking price. There is no hard rule, but if it makes a seller say, "Really?" then you have most likely entered lowball territory. It isn't always a bad move.
A 20% discount is particularly attractive because it offers substantial savings – much more than the typical 10% you might see elsewhere. The math is simple, but the impact on your budget can be huge.
Surveyors may down value properties for a number of reasons such as if you've agreed to pay more than comparable properties nearby have recently sold for. Or the surveyor may have found problems with the house. Down valuations can cause house sales to fall down.
While it can save you money and help in negotiations, the seller may get offended by your offer. Also, you may lose out if there are multiple bids on a house. Getting a home for less than the asking price is always a good thing.
A cheeky offer is a lower-than-asking bid on a house, often made in a buyer's market to secure a property at a better deal. Understanding the concept of a cheeky offer is important for anyone looking to buy a property in the UK, as it can be an effective strategy but also carries potential risks.
In today's episode, we dig into mastering the art of negotiation through the lens of the 3Ps framework: Prepare, Persuade, and Persist. Here's the episode at a glance: Understand the importance of preparation, persuasion, and persistence to ensure negotiation success.
One of the most essential tools in the negotiator's toolkit is the concept of BATNA — Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement and ZOPA(Zone of Possible Agreement). Understanding and effectively leveraging BATNA and ZOPA can profoundly impact negotiation outcomes in both business and social contexts.
There are four fundamental areas to focus on here: value, respect, warm, tough. Value and respect, on the first hand, mean we have to value the other party's view and respect the fact that it will probably be different from ours.
Most people succeed or fail in a negotiation based on how well-prepared they are (or are not!). We adhere to the 80/20 rule – 80% of negotiation is preparation and 20% is the actual negotiation with the other party.
The best tool to use is the 3-second rule. The Journal of Applied Psychology showed that sitting silently for at least 3 seconds during a difficult time negotiation or conversation leads to better outcomes. Embrace silence as your stealth strategy.
Avoid silences. You might think that silences are necessary in negotiations so that the other person can think about whether or not they are interested in what you have just said. ...