Should I Consider a Lowball Home Offer?

By Greg Smith

BoulderHomeSource represents the region’s finest properties with exceptional skill, using the most innovative technologies currently available. BoulderHomeSource offers ultimate privacy, security, speed, and efficiency. The team’s years of full-time experience have given them a clear understanding of the mindset of home buyers and sellers and a thorough understanding of the regional marketplace.

You put your home on the market and finally get your first offer. You open it, and your stomach drops because it is far below the asking price. It might be from an investor or a buyer trying to get a bargain. It feels disappointing, but before you reject it, take a closer look. That offer might still work in your favor.

Don’t react, evaluate. In the first quarter of 2025, about one in every four homes was sold to investors. Low offers are common, and not all of them are bad. The key is to evaluate the offer based on facts, not feelings. Investors make offers based on numbers. They look at repair costs, resale value, and closing timelines. Ask your agent a few questions before deciding:

• Is it a cash offer?
• What contingencies are included?
• How fast can they close?

A low offer with no contingencies and a fast closing can be worth more than it seems. If the offer is low but filled with conditions, it may not be the right deal.

Run the numbers before you walk away. A low price does not always mean a bad deal. What matters most is what you will walk away with after everything is paid. Work with your agent to calculate your net proceeds. Consider your mortgage balance, repair costs, and holding costs such as utilities, taxes, and insurance.

A lower cash offer can sometimes result in a higher overall amount. Quick closings save you months of carrying costs. Cash today can be more valuable than waiting for a higher offer later, which might not materialize. If your home is in good condition and priced correctly, you can wait for stronger offers. If it needs repairs or you want to sell quickly, an investor offer could make sense.

Always counter, never go silent. When you receive a lowball offer, do not stop the conversation. Make a counteroffer. Investors often start with a low number to test your response. If they reply quickly and raise their offer, they are serious buyers.

Even if you do not accept, countering helps you learn what they are willing to pay. If they ignore your response, they were not the right buyer. The goal is to stay engaged and guide the negotiation in your favor. As an agent, I focus on maintaining open communication so that my clients do not miss any opportunities.

The bottom line is that you have to stay calm when a lowball offer comes in and take time to look at the facts. Review the numbers carefully and think about how the offer fits your goals and timeline. The best deal is not always the highest one. It is the offer that brings you the most clarity, simplicity, and value in the end.

When you get a low or cash offer and are unsure how to move forward, feel free to call or text me at (303) 543-5720 or email me at mclean@boulderhomesource.com. I can help you review the terms, calculate your net proceeds, and determine whether it makes sense to accept. Together, we can make sure your next move is informed, confident, and right for you.