Is it rude to offer significantly under asking price in this market?

real estatehome buyingnegotiation

Veselin_B

Joined:
04.06.2024
Posts: 2313

Topic Starter

14.02.2025 04:55

I've been looking at a property that has been sitting on the market for about three months now. The house definitely needs some cosmetic work and a new roof, so I'm planning to bid about 10% below the current asking price. I'm worried that making such a low offer might offend the seller or cause them to just ignore me entirely. Does anyone have experience with how to phrase an offer letter to justify a lower bid without sounding disrespectful? I really want the house, but I don't want to overpay for repairs.

11 replies in this topic

star_vulk

Joined:
05.10.2022
Posts: 2258

08.06.2025 05:09

It is not rude at all, it is just business. If the house has been sitting for three months, they are likely expecting offers below the asking price.

simon_v

Joined:
14.12.2024
Posts: 2431

02.07.2025 13:26

In reply to a previous post

I agree with the first reply. My agent always says that if you are not embarrassed by your first offer, you offered too much.

Maya_L

Joined:
02.04.2024
Posts: 388

19.08.2025 11:10

The market is cooling down in a lot of areas, so 10% under isn't even that crazy. Just make sure your offer is clean and you have your pre-approval letter ready to show you are serious.

Selekcioner

Joined:
25.05.2024
Posts: 203

18.09.2025 06:41

In reply to a previous post

Exactly, being prepared is key. Don't worry about offending them, worry about your own bottom line.

Yulia_M

Joined:
23.04.2021
Posts: 1875

07.10.2025 03:12

I tried this last year and the seller actually counter-offered. Don't take it personally if they say no, just move on to the next one if they aren't willing to negotiate.

Iggy_R

Joined:
16.09.2023
Posts: 1098

28.10.2025 12:21

In reply to a previous post

Just be careful with the 'justification' part. Keep it professional and focus on the facts like the roof estimate, don't make it sound like you're criticizing their home.

nov_tuk

Joined:
28.10.2023
Posts: 1213

20.11.2025 21:41

If you really want the house, have your agent present the offer with the repair quotes attached. It shows you have done your homework and aren't just lowballing for fun.

seba_bg

Joined:
13.10.2024
Posts: 1150

18.12.2025 16:04

In reply to a previous post

That's good advice. Providing quotes makes it much harder for them to dismiss you as just another tire kicker.

Aleks_K

Joined:
30.03.2023
Posts: 541

08.02.2026 13:14

In this market, sellers are often delusional about what their house is worth. Stand your ground.

Milos_S

Joined:
11.01.2023
Posts: 564

26.03.2026 07:06

In reply to a previous post

I actually had a seller block me once for a low offer, but guess what? The house is still on the market six months later. Don't let their ego dictate your budget.

Zuzi_P

Joined:
18.10.2023
Posts: 673

07.04.2026 10:49

Just put the offer in and see what happens. The worst they can say is no, and you'll at least know where you stand.

Is it rude to offer significantly under asking price in this market?

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