Worried About Lowball Offers? Here’s How to Handle Them Like a Pro!

If you’ve ever been through the home-selling process (or you’re going through it now), you’ve probably experienced that gut-sinking moment when an offer comes in way lower than you expected. I mean, you’ve spent time, effort, and probably a little money getting your home ready to sell, and then—boom—someone sends a lowball offer that makes you question, “Do they even see the value in my home?”

Take a deep breath. I know it can feel discouraging, but today, I’m going to walk you through the best ways to handle those frustrating lowball offers, so you can protect your home’s value, keep your sanity, and—most importantly—sell your house at the price it deserves.

1. Don’t Take It Personally (Really!)

I get it—it’s your home, your memories, your hard-earned investment. So when someone comes in with a low offer, it can feel like a personal attack. But here’s the thing: a lowball offer doesn’t mean your home isn’t valuable. Sometimes, buyers are just testing the waters or hoping they can snag a deal.

Instead of feeling disrespected, take a step back and remind yourself: this is a business transaction. A low offer is just an opening move, and you don’t have to accept it (more on that in a minute!). Stay calm, stay grounded, and remember: you’re still in control.

2. Have a Counteroffer Ready

Here’s where you get to flex your negotiation muscles! A lowball offer doesn’t mean you’re stuck—it’s an opportunity to counter. Rather than declining outright, come back with a price that’s closer to what you’re comfortable with. It shows buyers you’re serious but also willing to engage in a conversation.

Work with your realtor to determine a counteroffer that’s based on facts. Think about comparable homes in the area, the improvements you’ve made, and your home’s unique selling points. When you respond with confidence and data to back you up, buyers are more likely to reconsider their initial offer.

3. Highlight Your Home’s Value

Sometimes buyers submit low offers because they don’t see the full value of your home (yet!). This is where you can step in and, through your realtor, remind them of everything your home offers. Maybe it’s the brand-new kitchen, the big backyard, or the top-rated school district—it’s time to shine a spotlight on the things that make your home special.

Ask your realtor to emphasize the upgrades, location perks, and market comparisons when they respond to the offer. When buyers see that your home is priced fairly based on its true value, they might be more willing to raise their offer.

4. Consider the Market

Real talk: If the market is slow, it’s common for buyers to think they can score a deal. If homes in your area have been sitting on the market for a while, some buyers might believe they’re in the driver’s seat. But that doesn’t mean you need to cave to a lowball offer!

Talk to your realtor about the current market conditions and get a solid understanding of where your home fits in. If you’ve already priced your home competitively and fairly, you have all the power to negotiate or walk away. Don’t rush—waiting for the right offer could pay off big in the long run.

5. Stay Firm, But Be Flexible

Here’s the balancing act: You want to stand your ground on your home’s value, but it’s also important to stay flexible enough to keep negotiations alive. Maybe the buyer can’t budge much on price, but you can explore other options to make the deal work.

Could they pay closing costs? Be flexible with the closing date? Or maybe offer a larger earnest money deposit to show their commitment? Sometimes, working out the details can help bridge the gap, even if the price isn’t exactly what you were hoping for.

6. Know When to Walk Away

This is a tough one, but sometimes the best move is to simply say “no.” If a buyer isn’t willing to come up to a reasonable price and the offer just doesn’t sit right with you, it’s okay to walk away. Trust that another buyer—one who sees the value in your home—is out there.

It’s your home, and you have every right to wait for the right offer that honors your hard work and investment. Don’t let the fear of not getting another offer push you into accepting less than what your home is worth.

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At the end of the day, friend, lowball offers are just a part of the home-selling process, and they don’t define your home’s value—or your success in selling it! Stay patient, stay strong, and trust the process. With the right strategy (and a little negotiation savvy!), you’ll find the right buyer who appreciates your home for all it’s worth.

You've got this. Here’s to getting the offer you deserve!