How to Make a Counteroffer When You Think Your Home Is Worth More

You’ve received an offer on your home, but the price isn’t quite where you hoped it would be. You may not want to accept less than what your home is worth, but you also don’t want to lose a serious buyer. A counteroffer can help you keep the deal moving while asking for a better price or terms. In this guide, we’ll explain how to make a counteroffer, including how to evaluate the buyer’s offer, decide what to ask for, and know when it may make sense to compromise. Connect With a Top Agent For Successful Negotiations Top agents sell homes faster and for more than average agents and are in their clients’ corner. They also come with an array of skills and experiences, including in negotiation. Should you counter the buyer’s offer? When an offer comes in, a seller generally has three choices: accept it, reject it, or make a counteroffer. Countering often makes the most sense when the offer isn’t quite good enough as written, but there’s enough common ground to keep talking. Jamie McMartin, a Houston-based HomeLight Elite Agent, says she encourages sellers to respond even when the initial offer is disappointing. “I always set the expectation of countering every offer we receive, the goo...