Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 09:23     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
I have a feeling even if the sellers accept the original list price or something close to it, they will be a PITA during the rest of the transaction looking for a way to get out of it and eventually sell for a higher price
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 09:22     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
Anonymous wrote:I have a feeling I know this house. Arlington, right? Anyway, if it is that one I know the seller hoped for a bidding war, and frankly I'm a little surprised it didn't emerge. But who knows. I think the full ask was low but fair...if you really like it I agree with the PP who suggested putting some lipstick on the pig of the offer and maybe they will take it. I don't think it will really affect the inspection or other pieces of closing.

Or walk, obviously.


No, not in Arlington. I'm not convinced about the price. If it's a hot market, why would a low but fair price get no offers? Why would someone bid higher later?
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 09:15     Subject: Re:Seller counters above list price?
I'd present the original purchase contract again. Basically a take it or leave it. And be fully prepared to walk away. If it was my dream home, I'd probably offer $10k more.
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 09:10     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Walk. I had someone do this to me on a car sale, if you can believe it. We had closed the sale after I agreed to his list price on Craigslist, I joined a credit union to get the best car loan rate, got the bank check, and was set to meet him at 6 pm - then he emailed me that afternoon saying he wanted $2500 more because he thought he should be asking more since the car had GPS! I told him to shove it. You should too. This is totally dishonorable and lame, and you're right, probably an omen of things to come if you keep dealing with these people.


This is not a car. You can't just go somewhere else and get the same thing. Suck it up and deal with it.


Of course you can go somewhere else and get the same thing. There are houses everywhere. Walk and the seller is damaged goods and has to continue marketing and paying a mortgage.
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 09:03     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Walk. I had someone do this to me on a car sale, if you can believe it. We had closed the sale after I agreed to his list price on Craigslist, I joined a credit union to get the best car loan rate, got the bank check, and was set to meet him at 6 pm - then he emailed me that afternoon saying he wanted $2500 more because he thought he should be asking more since the car had GPS! I told him to shove it. You should too. This is totally dishonorable and lame, and you're right, probably an omen of things to come if you keep dealing with these people.


This is not a car. You can't just go somewhere else and get the same thing. Suck it up and deal with it.


"Suck up" $30k!?
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 09:03     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Walk. I had someone do this to me on a car sale, if you can believe it. We had closed the sale after I agreed to his list price on Craigslist, I joined a credit union to get the best car loan rate, got the bank check, and was set to meet him at 6 pm - then he emailed me that afternoon saying he wanted $2500 more because he thought he should be asking more since the car had GPS! I told him to shove it. You should too. This is totally dishonorable and lame, and you're right, probably an omen of things to come if you keep dealing with these people.


This is not a car. You can't just go somewhere else and get the same thing. Suck it up and deal with it.


You must be the seller! "Suck it up and deal with it" - you sound like someone who would pull a dumb stunt like this. OP has already said it wasn't their dream house to begin with.
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 08:37     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
Anonymous wrote:Walk. I had someone do this to me on a car sale, if you can believe it. We had closed the sale after I agreed to his list price on Craigslist, I joined a credit union to get the best car loan rate, got the bank check, and was set to meet him at 6 pm - then he emailed me that afternoon saying he wanted $2500 more because he thought he should be asking more since the car had GPS! I told him to shove it. You should too. This is totally dishonorable and lame, and you're right, probably an omen of things to come if you keep dealing with these people.


This is not a car. You can't just go somewhere else and get the same thing. Suck it up and deal with it.
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 08:36     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
Be thankful they even entertained your offer
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 08:33     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
I have a feeling I know this house. Arlington, right? Anyway, if it is that one I know the seller hoped for a bidding war, and frankly I'm a little surprised it didn't emerge. But who knows. I think the full ask was low but fair...if you really like it I agree with the PP who suggested putting some lipstick on the pig of the offer and maybe they will take it. I don't think it will really affect the inspection or other pieces of closing.

Or walk, obviously.
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 08:27     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
I am betting the sellers wanted a bidding war, and they're disappointed. Tough cookies for them.

List price with no closing support at a week on the market is plenty fair.

How much do you want the house, OP? Do you think there are likely to be other quibbles (say during inspection), or are you willing to think of it more as an "as is" sale, knowing the sellers' attitude?

Of course, if you really want to gamble, walk away and see if it sits another week or two and come back with a lower offer.
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 08:18     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
Sorry meant "at or below asking price"
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 08:17     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
The seller expected a bidding war and probably overpriced it initially

Counter at their list price if you really want the house and do it quickly. Their agent is shopping your contract. Trying to get another offer. If they don't accept your counter, there is no offer to shop. This increases your chances to get the house later at or above the asking price.

There is a dance in contract negotiations and the selker's mis-step may benefit you
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 08:08     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
Walk. I had someone do this to me on a car sale, if you can believe it. We had closed the sale after I agreed to his list price on Craigslist, I joined a credit union to get the best car loan rate, got the bank check, and was set to meet him at 6 pm - then he emailed me that afternoon saying he wanted $2500 more because he thought he should be asking more since the car had GPS! I told him to shove it. You should too. This is totally dishonorable and lame, and you're right, probably an omen of things to come if you keep dealing with these people.
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 07:57     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
Anonymous wrote:If above list is the fair price who cares if you are paying above list.


Why do you think above list is a fair price? It was listed in a hot area, had an open house and a week to do showings, and got no offers at list price. It seems to me like the market has spoken.
Anonymous
Post 04/18/2014 07:56     Subject: Seller counters above list price?
the other reason OP has leverage is if s/he walks, word gets out about this seller real quick, if OP's agent is any good.