The Lowball Offer Epidemic: Why Buyers Keep Shooting Themselves in the Foot (and Why It’s Hilarious Every Time)
By Wyatt Poindexter – The Agency Oklahoma
There’s a special moment in every Realtor’s week when a buyer sends over that offer. The kind of offer that makes sellers clutch their pearls, question humanity, and ask if the buyer also wanted their furniture, tractor, and family dog thrown in.
Yes… the lowball offer.
The “bargain hunter special.”
The “I Googled negotiation tactics for 10 minutes and now I’m Warren Buffett” offer.
And it’s becoming an Olympic sport in 2025.
Buyers Want a “Deal” — But Don’t Understand How Deals Actually Work
Here’s the hilarious part:
If buyers would write a fair offer, they’d actually have a better chance of getting a better price.
But no — some buyers feel spiritually called to submit offers twenty to thirty percent below list price like they’re haggling over a used lawnmower on Marketplace.
What they don’t realize is this:
Most sellers take lowball offers personally.
Very personally.
Like “slam the door, pour coffee aggressively, stomp around the kitchen while ranting” levels of personal.
And once that emotional switch flips?
Forget it.
At that point, the seller won’t just reject the offer — they’ll counter back at FULL price out of sheer principle. They become the Hulk of negotiations:
“You hurt my feelings. Price go UP.”
The Psychology of the Lowball Disaster
A lowball offer tells a seller:
• You think their home is garbage
• You don’t respect the upgrades, landscaping, or money they’ve poured into it
• You believe Zillow more than reality
• You’re hoping desperation beats dignity
• You’re here to waste their time
And sellers?
They do not… I repeat… do not enjoy feeling insulted by strangers on a Tuesday afternoon.
What Buyers Don’t Get
The real estate market isn’t broken.
Buyer expectations are.
If a home is priced fairly (and most are, especially in today’s data-driven world), the seller has no reason to entertain someone offering fifty cents on the dollar and a coupon for a free appetizer.
This isn’t 2009.
This isn’t a liquidation sale.
And this certainly isn’t a yard sale where you can ask, “What’s your lowest price?” while squinting at them in silence.
A Few Real-Life Lowball Fails (Names Changed to Protect the Delusional)
Case Study One: The Dream Crusher
A buyer offered $400,000 on a $550,000 home.
The seller replied, “Tell them to go buy a tent.”
Negotiations ended swiftly.
Case Study Two: The Market Assistant
A home listed at $1.2M received an offer at $750,000.
The seller countered at more than list price just out of spite.
They literally said, “I’m teaching them a lesson.”
Case Study Three: The Silent Treatment
A buyer sent a lowball so extreme that the seller didn’t counter, didn’t reply, didn’t speak for twenty minutes.
Just stared at the paper.
I had time to pick up a coffee.
Still staring.
What Actually Works
Here’s the wild twist:
When buyers come in respectfully and realistically…
Sellers soften.
Egos calm down.
Negotiations become productive.
And often, the buyer ends up saving more money.
It’s Negotiation 101:
Don’t insult the person holding the asset you want.
Crazy concept, I know.
The Agency Advantage: Where Strategy Beats Guesswork
This is why choosing the right real estate team matters.
At The Agency Oklahoma, we don’t play amateur hour. We bring global strategy, international reach, data-driven pricing, and polished negotiation skills that eliminate lowball chaos before it even begins.
Unlike local-only real estate companies, The Agency brings:
• Worldwide exposure for your property
• A global network of luxury agents
• Sophisticated marketing and branding
• Media reach that spans continents
• Experienced negotiation with high-end clientele
• A reputation that elevates every listing we represent
Whether buying or selling, you deserve representation that understands psychology, negotiation, and how to get results without torching relationships in the process.
If you want a team that elevates your experience, protects your interests, and keeps you far away from lowball disasters, I’d love to help.
Wyatt Poindexter - Oklahoma Luxury Realtor
Managing Partner – The Agency Oklahoma
405-417-5466
[email protected]
www.WyattPoindexter.com
www.TheAgencyRE.com
