Is it too soon to offer below asking?

by Alessandra Imanabadi

By Alessandra Imanabadi · Nationwide Fine Homes

You do not need to wait for a particular number of days. You need a reason the lower offer makes sense.

A home can be overpriced on its first day. Another can be fairly priced after several weeks. The calendar offers clues, not a valuation.

Use time to ask better questions

At 45 days, what has prevented the sale? Price, condition, access, limited marketing or an unusual property? During the first 20 days, is the seller still seeing strong interest or already receiving consistent objections?

Compare those days with similar homes. Forty-five days means something different in a fast-moving segment than in a specialized luxury market.

Establish a range before deciding on a discount

I examine recent sales, often beginning with six months within a mile or half mile and three months closer to the property, then adjust the search where necessary. Current alternatives matter just as much: what could the buyer choose at the same price today?

A below-asking offer deserves attention when the price exceeds relevant sales, known work is not reflected, competing homes offer more or reductions have not generated interest.

But a low number without a credible explanation can end the conversation. If the seller rejects it and you immediately jump higher, you may have given away negotiating information without gaining anything.

Give the seller a reason to engage

Support the number with property-specific reasoning and terms you can deliver. Respectful does not mean weak; it means the proposal is understandable.

Your agent should distinguish an opening strategy from wishful thinking.

I would be pleased to explain how I would evaluate a home you are watching. You can consider the reasoning before deciding who should negotiate for you.

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