The Lowball Offer: The Real Estate Strategy That Backfires (Almost Every Time)

Or: How to Lose a House and Annoy a Seller in 10 Seconds or Less

In the world of real estate, everyone wants a “deal.” That’s human nature.
But if your strategy is to offer $100,000 below asking on a $600,000 home and then wait smugly by your inbox for a "yes"… well, spoiler alert: You’re probably not getting that house. You are, however, getting added to a group text labeled “LOL - Offers of the Week.”

Let’s break down what actually happens when you send in a lowball offer—and why it rarely ends with keys in your hand.

Step 1: You Submit a Lowball Offer

You’re excited. You think you’re playing chess. You offer $475K on a $600K home and wait to be crowned Real Estate Negotiator of the Year.

Meanwhile...

Step 2: The Seller Reads Your Offer and Thinks:

“Is this a joke?”

Followed by:

• "Do they even want the house?"

• "Are they trying to offend me on purpose?"

• "Maybe I’ll counter back at full price just to be petty."

Or, even worse:

❌ REJECT. No counter. No explanation. Just pure seller vengeance.

“We Wrote a Heartfelt Letter to the Seller…”

Ok, so now the buyer includes a sweet little letter with their lowball offer.

“Dear Seller, we absolutely love your home. We can picture our four kids playing in the backyard, family dinners in the kitchen, and Christmas mornings by the fireplace…”

Sounds nice, right?

Let’s be real: The seller is skipping that letter and flipping straight to the offer price and terms.

We hate to break it to you, but:

No one cares about your letter if the offer is $100K under asking.

Unless your kids come with cash and closing flexibility, the seller is not biting. Save the emotional speeches for your Oscar reel.

Why This Strategy Rarely Works

Lowball offers are like showing up to a black-tie wedding in cargo shorts—you might technically be dressed, but you’re not getting invited to the afterparty.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. The seller gets annoyed. Offended sellers = emotional decisions.

2. They either reject it entirely OR counter at an even higher price just to make a point.

3. You lose all credibility and leverage. Even if you submit a better offer later, they remember the first one and trust goes out the window.

Buying New Construction? Lowballs Are Basically DOA.

So you’re eyeing a gorgeous new build with quartz counters, tall ceilings, and that “new house smell.” Let me say this gently:

Lowballing a builder is like asking a steakhouse if they can do the filet mignon for $6.50 because you “know a guy.”

It’s not happening.

Here's why:

• Material and labor costs are fixed.

• Every day the house doesn’t sell, it costs the builder money.

• They’re not desperate—they're strategic.

Want the builder to include upgrades like a fence, paint changes, or a storm shelter?

Then come in at or near full price. That’s how you earn extras—not by asking for a 20% discount and a free pool.

What You Should Do Instead

Make an offer based on reality—not vibes. Here’s how:

• Review actual comparable sales with your Realtor 

• Understand days on market trends

• Look at inventory levels and buyer demand

• Consider how long it’s been listed and what similar homes have sold for

This isn’t eBay. Don’t hit “Make Offer” and hope for the best. Do the math. Trust the data. Respect the home.

 Why Use The Agency Oklahoma

At The Agency, we don’t just wing it—we bring real strategy, experience, and relationships to the table.

Here’s what makes us different (and yes, a little cooler):

• We know the market inside and out.

• We help you write offers that actually get accepted.

• We have great relationships with builders.

• We protect your money like it’s our own.

• Global reach. Local expertise. Zero ego.

We’ve got 130+ offices worldwide, access to elite luxury platforms, and we’ve sold homes from $300K to $17 million—so yeah, we’ve seen a few contracts.

Final Word

If you're serious about buying a home—especially a new one—remember this:

Lowball offers might make you feel smart, but they rarely make you a homeowner.

Instead, write a fair offer. One that’s backed by data. One that respects the seller. One that says:
“I want this house—and I came to play fair.”

Trust us. That’s the offer that gets accepted.
And then you get to celebrate in your new kitchen, instead of your agent’s voicemail.

Ready to make an offer that actually works?

Call Wyatt Poindexter at The Agency Oklahoma - 405-417-5466 - www.WyattPoindexter.com 

We'll help you win the deal without losing your dignity.