The basics of navigating a counter offer as a home seller

by Diana Hellman 01/26/2025

How to assess when it's a good idea to counter offer featured image

If you're on the fence about whether to reject or accept an offer to purchase, you may be pondering over a third option: submitting a counteroffer. 

Deciding to counter-offer can be a tough decision for first-time and experienced house sellers alike. However, with the right preparation and research, you can handle submitting a counteroffer with confidence. 

Assess your residence

Even though your home’s initial asking price is not set in stone, you likely have expectations about how much your home should be sold for. If a homebuyer submits an offer to purchase that falls below your expectations, assessing your residence can help you make the best-possible decision.

For instance, if your home is in great condition and has unique aspects worthwhile to buyers, when a low offer is submitted, you may want to consider countering the offer. This can give you a better idea if the potential buyer is financially flexible and helps you to get an offer closer to what you think your home is worth. 

Review the housing market

Housing market data can help home sellers make informed decisions as they sell their home.  

It's beneficial to examine the prices of similar properties being sold in your area. This can help you determine if an offer meets your needs and industry standards, or if it falls too low. 

Work with a real estate agent

A real estate agent is a house selling expert who can allocate the necessary time and resources to help you review an offer to purchase. They can provide a recommendation about whether to counter a homebuying proposal and review all available information to see if this is the best course of action. 

Using the aforementioned tips, you can perform a full evaluation of an offer to purchase and proceed accordingly.


About the Author
Author

Diana Hellman

 Diana Hellman's passion for Larchmont inspires her more than 20 year real estate practice. As a certified buyer's representative, "The development of a solid and trusting relationship with my buyers and sellers is what I strive for." This success, primarily built on client referrals and repeat business, comes from her knowledge of what makes Larchmont unique: it's school system, recreational facilities, services and the special qualities that pervade this village's atmosphere. A former educator with a background in psychology, Diana knows that people don't want a sales pitch, but rather reliable, timely information. She and her husband have been residents of Larchmont for over 40 years. Her 3 children have attended the Mamaroneck Public Schools. She can give you expert advice with the sale or purchase of your home. Awards/Distinctions Multi-million dollar club- Westchester Board of Realtors International Diamond Society (8 million plus in sales), 5-Star agent in 2024. Gold Award- WBR (5-8 million dollars in sales) Silver Award – WBR (3-5 million dollars in sales) Memberships National Association of Realtors New York State Association of Realtors Westchester Board of Realtors Westchester Multiple Listing Service Community Former executive board member of the Central School Former selection school delegate for election of school board candidates Former executive board member of the Friends of the Emelin Theatre Former executive board member of the League of Women Voters