Today I came across a debate on social media about lowball offers - and it genuinely caught my attention.
One agent confidently stated:
“I’ve been telling all my buyers to lowball, lowball, lowball. If the seller says no, on to the next!”
It sounds bold.
It sounds strategic.
It even sounds a little empowering.
But is it actually good advice?
What Is a Lowball Offer, Really?
A lowball offer is when a buyer submits a price significantly below the seller’s asking price - often 10% to 30% lower.
It’s meant to test the seller’s flexibility and potentially secure a better deal.
But here’s the truth:
A lowball offer isn’t just a number - it’s a message.
And depending on how it’s delivered, that message can either open doors… or close them completely.
Why Some Buyers Swear By Lowballing
There’s a growing mindset - especially among investors and aggressive negotiators - that lowballing is the smartest way to buy.
The logic goes:
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The market determines value - not the seller
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Many homes are overpriced
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Sellers often negotiate after rejecting the first offer
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You lose nothing by trying
And in certain situations, this absolutely works—especially when properties have been sitting on the market or when sellers are motivated.
Why Others Push Back Hard
On the flip side, many sellers (and even experienced agents) strongly disagree with this approach.
Why?
Because lowball offers can come across as:
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Disrespectful
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Unrealistic
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A sign that the buyer isn’t serious
In competitive markets, they often don’t just fail - they get ignored entirely.
And sometimes, they can damage your chances of ever getting the deal.
The Reality: It Depends on the Market
Here’s the part that often gets missed in these debates:
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy in real estate.
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In slower markets, lowballing can create opportunity
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In fast-moving markets, it can cost you the home
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In some cases, negotiation works
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In others, strong offers win
Real estate is local. Timing matters. Strategy matters.
A Smarter Approach
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to get a “deal.”
It’s to get the right property, at the right price, with the right strategy.
That means:
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Understanding the market
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Reading the seller’s position
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Knowing when to be aggressive—and when not to be
Sometimes that includes a lower offer.
Other times, it means competing strategically.
Final Thoughts
Lowballing isn’t wrong.
But blindly lowballing?
That’s where problems start.
The best results come from informed decisions—not viral advice.
Thinking About Buying or Selling?
At Fisher Group, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all strategies.
We believe in tailored advice, smart negotiation, and helping you make confident real estate decisions - whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options.
If you’re wondering what strategy makes the most sense in today’s market, let’s talk.
📩 Reach out anytime - your next move deserves a plan, not a guess.
