Special offer
Chris Mamone, Senior Loan Officer (Keller Mortgage)

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John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

I think calling the listing agent would be a bad move, how would that go?  "Hey, my client's thinking about stealing your client's home, that cool?"

"Ummm....no"

"Ok cool, I'll talk with my client and tell them you're hoping for list price"

 

 

If I were an agent, I'd advise my buyer as best I could, and then put together an offer at the price they'd like to shoot for.  I've seen lowball offers accepted, sometimes it works!

Aug 31, 2015 06:10 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Write the offer and tell the agent not to shoot the messanger.

Aug 31, 2015 08:11 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

I have learned to let people wite the offer they want to write at the start. If however, after 2-3 lowball offers that go nowhere, the buyers don't learn the lesson, then I might refer them out.

Aug 31, 2015 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
1,432,649
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I write the offer then explain to the listing agent that it was prepared at the direction of my client.

Sep 01, 2015 07:47 AM
Rainer
47,564
Youree Lundy
Keller Williams Advantage III Realty - Orlando, FL
Your Realtor For Life

I send in the offer; I have been surprised before by people who are under financial stress or other who have accepted offers that appeared to be a sure failure.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  On the other hand, if this is the buyers practice over and over in a very strong market, I resign from the relationship.  Time is money for me also.

Aug 31, 2015 08:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Chris Mamone Since we have a fiduciary duty of obedience to our client, I would submit the offer. Talking to the listing agent isn't going to do much good since they would be looking out for their client.

"An agent is obligated to obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of his principal."

Aug 31, 2015 05:14 AM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

My procedure is like Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041's with a heads-up call to the listing agent to ensure some response. And like Cindy Davis I don't write repeatedly low ball offers for a client. 

Aug 31, 2015 07:27 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

If a client insists, I write that offer and submit. The degree to which I call the listing agent to discuss depends on (a) how well I know the agent and (b) how motivated I know my client might really be despite the low opening offer. There are people who just "have to" write that first offer low, but will respond intelligently to a counter offer. (I just went through this as a listing agent last week; it took three days and 3+ rounds but we got the buyer where we wanted him.)

Sep 01, 2015 09:50 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

I wrtie and present the offer.  If I am going to call the other agent it is only to find out if there are any other offers on the table so I know how to advise my buyer client.

Sep 01, 2015 09:05 AM
Rainer
25,559
Hajni Cheek
Keller Williams Realty - Walnut Creek, CA
San Francisco Bay Area, CA

Most likely I would call the LA before submitting the offer, to let her/him know.
My reasoning is, yes, I work for the buyer, but that is 1 transaction; also I work with the same agents over and over and I don't want to ruin my reputation, and be branded as the "LowBall Guy"

  Because if THAT happens, you can loose future offers AND clients, just because the other agents don't want to work with you.

 

Sep 01, 2015 09:01 AM
Rainmaker
8,249
Jeff Knox
Knox & Associates Real Estate - Dallas, TX
Real Estate Broker serving all of DFW

I submit the offer because it is what the client wants to do and we ultimately represent the client.  However, if I know the offer is likely to be insulting to the seller, I will call the listing agent and say something like, "We are submitting an offer.  This is the offer my clients want to make and, as you know, we ultimlately have to do what the client wants us to do."   I find adding this caveat seems to get a better reaction from the sellers and the listing agent.  I've even had deals close which started this way.

Sep 01, 2015 08:54 AM
Rainmaker
243,579
Christi Farrington
Dagny's Real Estate - Wilton, CT
~ Your representative in Fairfield County, CT

Considering that it is job as a Realtor to present ALL offers, I do try to ask my client how 'serious' they are regarding the property.  If the offer is crazy low, I will present it but caution my client that the Seller may be offended and not take them seriously.

Sep 01, 2015 07:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

YES  . . . I do both.  And it all depends of the particular deal, etc.  

Sep 01, 2015 07:06 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I would write the offer.  You never know what the Seller will do.  Sometimes they take it.

Aug 31, 2015 12:19 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I will write the offer the first time for the client.  If he continues to make low ball offers and does not come up to a legitimate offer then for the next one i would probably call the listing agent to discuss it.

Aug 31, 2015 05:13 AM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

I usually don't call an agent to discuss the particulars of a forthcoming offer. Agents have a tendency to try and negotiate over the phone which is weird because negotiations are between buyer and seller.

If a client wants to write a bunch of lowball offers just to see what sticks, I'm probably not the right agent for them.

Aug 31, 2015 04:55 AM
Rainer
21,891
Kevin Flinn
Platinum Realty LLC - Kansas City, MO

I had this situation last week. A new buyer was looking at a REO that was way under priced in a desirable neighborhood. The bank was asking for a highest and best. I called the agent to get a feel for where we needed to be as the agent was reporting that multiple offers were submitted. The buyer was hesitant to give me the number as it was so far below the already low asking price.
I have no problem submitting low ball offers. I just don't like wasting my time. I spent the time directing the buyer to something she could afford.

Sep 01, 2015 10:30 AM
Rainer
85,321
Pat Braithwaite
Braithwaite Realty - Marietta, GA
E-Pro

I write the offer. If I am representing the Buyer, their offer will be presented.  Then, if they do not win, I take stronger measures to help them make more practical decisions.

Sep 01, 2015 09:07 AM
Rainer
3,825
Christopher St.John
St.John Realty Group - Phoenix, AZ
Real Estate Done Right!

Submit the offer!

I have had many listing agents tell me their Seller would not be interested in an offer, I submitted it anyway and got my offer accepted and the transaction closed. Don't ever forget your fiduciary duty to your client to, "present all offers"!

All the best!

Sep 01, 2015 06:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I submit all offers.

Aug 31, 2015 09:24 PM
Rainmaker
212,755
Stefan Winter
Real Estate in IL & NV | Owner of Real Estate Web Tech | Daily Vlogger - Las Vegas, NV
Owner - Winter Group & Real Estate Web Tech

Write the offer and let the agent know you are just doing your job, we can just advise clients but in the end it is their choice on what they want to offer.

Aug 31, 2015 12:47 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

It depends on the listing agent. I would do discuss with any agent in my office. Sometimes it's best to present the offer in writing that is the only way some agents will consider the offer. 

Aug 31, 2015 11:27 AM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Chris - I would do as my buyer client requested and submit the offer. At this point, I see no need to call the listing agent. Once the offer has been submitted, I will play it by ear based on the listing agents/sellers response, etc.

Aug 31, 2015 11:09 AM
Rainmaker
699,277
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

Why call the listing agent?  I work for the buyer, submit it.

Aug 31, 2015 10:14 AM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Good question Chris, it really depends but if I have to choose I write the offer with spectacular terms!

Aug 31, 2015 09:07 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Of course I will write the offer and submit.

HOWEVER, I will call the agent beforehand to determine if any 'no goes' exist.

Then, when the offer is submitted, I will call the listing agent to give them a 'heads up' and condition them for the contents.

I find all of these touches are necessary to avoid 'absolute silence' from the other side which IS a response, not the mistaken 'no response' many complain about.

The smart listing agent will be able to decode and respond in the manner indicated.

Aug 31, 2015 05:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

No as most just tell me put it writing and we will look at it.

Aug 31, 2015 04:53 AM
Rainmaker
784,786
The Woodland Team of Texas
The Woodland Companies - Austin, TX
Land Specialists

Counsel them on the results of a lowball offer, ask if they really want the home, then write it up if they still want to.

Dec 17, 2018 10:29 PM
Rainer
284,687
Greg Mona
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Professional Real Estate Representation for YOU!

Wow, this turned out to be a very compelling question Chris Mamone!  I am very surprised that almost across the board the consensus is to write it up.  As the (very) minority opinion here, I am not going to waste my nor the listing agent's precious time writing up an offer and the associated documents for an offer that most likely has no legs.  I have called the listing agents to try to find out what kind of wiggle room there might be.  I am fully aware they won't/should not tell me what the "bottom line" is their client will accept, so I don't ask, but let's be real.  If it is a home listed for $500,000 (that is in line with current comps) and my client wants to offer $430,000, would YOU ( not "you" personally) write that up?! Sure, there are ALWAYS exceptions where one person's idea of a "low ball" offer is different than another's.  From my personal experience, especially here in a marketplace where the average sale gets well over 97% to 100% (and sometimes more) than listing price, there is no point to submit it and waste everybody's time.  Maybe I've been fortunate thus far, but calling the listing agent to feel out where things might land has been very successful for me thus far.

Sep 03, 2015 01:55 AM
Rainer
557,375
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

Depends on your definition of a low ball offer and other circumstances regarding the property, however, I wouldn't call the listing agent to discuss pricing but issues specifically about TDS and the amount of offers submitted and why they were rejected.

Sep 01, 2015 08:46 PM
Rainmaker
351,587
Olympus Executive Realty Inc.
Olympus Executive Realty INC. - Orlando, FL
Home Of The Top Producers

This is always a bit difficult, in most cases when you send upsurd low ball offers it does reflect on you as the agent. I do prepare the offers and send them to the agents but always with a phone call to prepare them.

Sep 01, 2015 02:58 PM
Ambassador
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Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

As a listing agent, I recieve these calls and respond, "Sure put it in writing and I will present it to the seller."

Sep 01, 2015 12:07 PM
Rainmaker
282,018
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

I call first if it is or is not a low ball offer!  I want the agent to know I have an offer coming over.

Sep 01, 2015 08:31 AM
Rainmaker
29,665
Patricia Baker
Keller Williams Realty - Newton, MA
$125,000,000 + in sales serving Greater Boston.

A verbal offer is not an offer. Why would any agent give the seller or the seller's agent an opportunity to say "NO"?

Sep 01, 2015 07:08 AM
Rainmaker
61,716
Scott Thompson
Columbia Mortgage Plus - Blue Springs, MO
Commerical Finance - Blue Springs, MO

Call the listing agent because you just never know.  Is the client an investor that knows it can take 20-30 offers to get one to click?

Does the client know the house you can make money on and the house you want to live in are often/ALWAYS EXTREMELY different things?

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY:)

Sep 01, 2015 03:04 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I cringe when I hear that a fake buyers agent called up the listing agent to "prepare" them for a lowball...really?

IF you are going to represent a buyer and put their best interest above the need to be liked by another agent, than it is your job to present the low offer in the best light possible.

Eve

Aug 31, 2015 07:04 AM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Write it up, never know what people will accept.

 

Jun 22, 2018 10:10 PM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

In a seller's market some sellers think they can name any price. If the list price is unreasonably high, then the "lowball" offer may actually be the true market value.

Nov 13, 2017 01:13 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I usually write it but try to get the buyer to make their best offer first.

Dec 25, 2016 02:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I will submit the offer since I work for the buyer. However, I will disclose to buyer that chances it will be rejected since we are in a sellers market.

Sep 11, 2016 12:37 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Write it

Sep 04, 2016 10:15 PM
Rainmaker
85,373
Ernest Villafranca
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Oakland, CA
3923 Grand Ave. Oakland CA, 510-418-9443

I call/email the listing agent to find out:

  1. If the property is still for sale.
  2. If there are any/many offers

If it's still for sale and no offers, we low ball. If still for sale and 10 offers, we go to something else.

Every buyer gets one low ball try from me. Sometimes we have to humor our clients.

If they want to keep low balling, I tell them that it's not going to work and to get real. If they still want to low ball, I don't talk to them anymore.

 

Sep 14, 2015 01:02 AM
Rainer
19,676
Rose O'Reilly Sievers,CRS,SRES
Carlsbad, CA

I'm have a Buyer, and  I'm representing the Seller, and my Buyer wants me to tell him what my Seller will accept.  Whats your opiion on this situation.

Sep 07, 2015 03:31 PM
Rainmaker
466,695
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Good morning Chris,

You write the offer and let the chips fall where they may

Sep 05, 2015 10:40 PM
Rainmaker
873,244
Mike McCann Nebraska Land Broker
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Farm & Commercial Land Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
Farm & Commercial Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Never call the Listing agent and ask if bringing a low offer will fly.  Write the offer and present it with your reasons and justifications as to why it is low.

 

Sep 03, 2015 01:43 AM
Rainmaker
402,010
John Wiley
Fort Myers, FL
Lee County, FL, ECO Broker, GRI, SRES,GREEN,PSA

We have a responsibility to present an offer. When I begin working with a Buyer we discuss the market and what is going on that could affect any offer they make. I try to help them understand the process. Then before the offer is submitted we look in more detail at the market in the area of the subject home. Then we submit the offer. We really don't know the motivation of the Seller but an offer can be a starting point for negotiations.

Sep 02, 2015 07:15 AM
Rainmaker
891,971
Tamra Lee Ulmer
Arizona Resource Realty - Payson, AZ
NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!

Explain to the Listing Agent you wrote the offer at your Client's request. Just submit it. Not call 1st.

Sep 02, 2015 06:32 AM
Rainmaker
428,642
June Tassillo
Owner/Broker RE/MAX Elite Realty - Franklin, NC
Let me help you with the next phase of your life!

By law I have to submit all offers as a listing agent.  As a Buyers Agent its my job to get them all the information needed to make an informed decision and I would write the offer.  

Sep 02, 2015 05:03 AM
Rainer
2,410
Delaine Campbell
McEnearney Associates Inc. - Alexandria, VA
Residential - Local Neighborhood Expert

HI Chris,  I do both. I follow the instructions of my buyer client, but after conversations and advisement. I advise them of the pros and cons of a lowball offer. After a consultation with the buyer I write the offer if that is what they want to do. However, then before sending to the listing agent, I do call the listing agent, to alert to the offer. We all understand that low offers can sometimes be insulting to sellers, such that they don't even want to counter or respond. However, through a phone conversation we can sometimes help keep things moving forward. This is especially important to understand in working with people with different cultural experiences since the negotiating is part of the buying experience and it is an expected step in the process. 

Sep 02, 2015 04:14 AM
Rainmaker
359,554
DALIA KIBBY
One Sothebys International Realty - Cooper City, FL
Selling Florida Homes with Passion!

Both. I represent the buyer so I want to do what is in their best interests; of course, I discuss comps and likelihood of success with a low ball offer.

Sep 02, 2015 03:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Yes or be hauled in front of the real estate commission. However, proper counseling before working with a buyer can prevent that. Plus a second lowball for me becomes a blackball.

Sep 02, 2015 02:18 AM
Rainer
384,519
Paul Durry
Collateral Specialist Inc - Lawton, OK
Former Broker Associate, CDPE, CIAS, CHMS

I will write the low offer. Usually explaining to them that more than likely it will not be accepted. I will inform the lister that an offer is on the way. Often time the buyers making the low ball offers are either mis-educated on the home buying process, testing the "water" to see what the seller response will be, trying to get a what they call a "good deal", and several other responses.

Sep 02, 2015 01:31 AM
Rainer
482,547
Bruce Kunz
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Hi Chris Mamone . I would submit the offer at the direction of my clients with no more of a call than to confirm the agent received the offer. Any offer can also be the start of a successful negotiation. Sellers should not be offended (since their agent should have advised them of a low-ball offer possibility) and should respond with a counter. If not, it could well be their loss.
Bruce

 

Sep 02, 2015 01:30 AM
Rainer
394,915
Jean-Paul Peron
The Outer Banks Real Estate Copmpany - Corolla, NC
Carova Beach - Living & Working in 4-Wheel Drive

I would always writye the offer for 2 reasons:

1) It is my experience that the number a seller will say no to verbally & the number that they will say no to when they have a  contract in hand are 2 different numbers.

2) Somtime tyou have to write 1 or 2 bad offers for your buyer before they realize that their strategy is not going to work and theny listne to your advise more on how to structure the offer.

Sep 02, 2015 01:22 AM
Rainmaker
1,251,755
Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA
(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

I submit the offer. If the client continues to make ridiculously low offers, at some point you must stop. I remember a client and I must have put in 10-15 offers and finally I had to let him go and advised him to get a new agent. The agents were getting upset with me and hurting my reputation. He was making offers based on some formula from a info comercial real estate book. If the home was priced at $296,000 he would have me put in offer of $209,376. Really wierd contract prices.

Sep 02, 2015 01:11 AM
Rainer
2,710
gary kent
Keller Williams La Jolla - San Diego, CA
Coastal/central San Diego Realtor, 5000 home sales

I tell the client that a low offer is fine if they have reason to believe that the seller may accept it and/or if they don't really care if they get the home.  Otherwise, because selling a home can be emotional, an unrealistic low offer may offend the seller and make them not want to deal with the buyer.

Sep 02, 2015 12:47 AM
Rainer
446,414
Raul Rodriguez
Covenant Partners Realty - San Antonio, TX
Looking out for the client's interest and not my p

If it's not on paper it's not an offer. I would definetly write it up.

Sep 01, 2015 11:13 PM
Rainmaker
323,664
Fred Cope
Reliant Realty in Nashville, TN - Nashville, TN
Looking For Homes With A Smile

I take all offers seriously, even when they look like nonsense.  Like the starter on the line at the beginning of the race: there is no race until runners are at their mark, ready and lung upon the firing of the gun!  Only then do you begin to run, run at your pace, and run to the finish line.  Much happens during the race, but you must run your best race for the chance to win.  Part pride, part endurance, part craftiness, part speed, bug the prize goes to the one who RUNS, RUNS HARD, RUNS FASTEST AND IS OUT FRONT AT THE LINE.

 

It is not the one who comes slow out of the block, lays back, and trails the field without a plan and a purpose.  It is the one who runs to win, overcomes, gets out front and holds the lead all the way across the finish line. Competition offers a challenge, so the task goes past lowball and becomes fastball.  Those less than serious will fall to the wayside.  Only at the finish line do we know how bad the buyer wanted the property and how determined was the owner to sell.

Sep 01, 2015 10:10 PM
Rainmaker
1,209,215
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

I discuss it with my buyer and try to get clear there.  In this market, there aren't many circumstances where a low ball offer is worth anybody's time.  

Sep 01, 2015 10:18 AM
Rainer
5,160
Cindy Lockhart
Keller Williams Realty Select - Sarasota, FL

I will submit the lowball offer because after all we do not know the sellers motivation level for selling. However, I do ask the buyer if they are emotionally prepared to loose the home if someone comes in with a higher offer.  Once they loose a home to another buyer that they "fell in love with" usually the next time around they aren't as tempted to let greed set in and  will offer something closer to what the comps and current climate of the market is. 

Sep 01, 2015 10:00 AM
Rainmaker
900,108
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

There were times when it was appropriate to "feel things out" verbally first; it takes some finesse.

Sep 01, 2015 09:21 AM