Sound Like Realtor Games?

Question

I put a bid in on a house that has been on the market 3 months. The next day the realtor for the seller contacts my realtor saying that there are two bids and wanting to know if I want to counter since "The other offer, net, is at least $20,000 (closer to $30,000) better than your buyer's original offer. Is that your buyer's best offer, or is the buyer willing to counter?"

I say she is playing games with me. Have you seen this type of behavior before?

Answer 1

This is called Negotiation 101. You always want to see if you can get more for your side.

It is now up to you to make a decision - do you want to increase your offer or not? If you think they are bluffing and do not in fact have another offer, I would go back at your same offer and also make a short timeframe for response (say, 24-48 hours) so they don't have time to continue to try to shop it around. After all, you have other houses you can look at, too, so you can't wait too long.

Answer 2

You are GUESSING that she's playing games.  Maybe she's not.  It's your choice whether or not to 'call her bluff'.



If you don't care whether or not you get the house, don't raise your offer.