How to Handle Counter Offers Without Losing Your Cool

Oh, look at you making offers! And now, the seller has come back with a counter offer. If the home buying process feels like a game of tennis—except with more paperwork and fewer sweatbands—you’re doing it right. Here’s how to handle the back-and-forth, protect your interests, and keep your dream home in play.

Understanding Counter Offers

A counter offer is the seller’s polite way of saying, “Nice try, but let’s tweak a few things.” They may change the price, move the closing date, or modify contingencies. It’s a negotiation dance, and the goal is to find common ground that works for both sides.

Your Options: Accept, Reject, or Counter Again

When you receive a counter offer, you have three choices:

• Accept: Agree to the new terms and move forward.

• Reject: Politely decline and potentially walk away.

• Counter: Propose new terms that suit you better.

With every counter, negotiations reset—so stay strategic and focused.

Negotiation Strategies: Play Smart

Negotiation isn’t about “winning” but about creating a deal that works for everyone:

• Use market data and recent comparable sales to reinforce your position.

• Try to understand the seller’s motivation—maybe they’re in a hurry, or maybe they’re attached to their price.

• Loop in your lender for advice on structuring the deal so your monthly payment stays manageable while still appealing to the seller.

The Art of Timing

Time is of the essence. Acting quickly shows you’re serious, but don’t rush into a deal. Review the terms carefully and aim to respond in 24–48 hours to keep the momentum going and your negotiations on track.

Sealing the Deal

Once both parties agree, it’s time to sign the contract and head into escrow. But remember—until everything’s signed, nothing is official. Stay engaged and responsive for a smooth transition to the next phase.

Coming Up Next:
In the next episode, we’ll demystify the escrow process—what it is, why it matters, and how to make it through without losing steam. Stay tuned!

Disclaimer
This blog post was created using a combination of personal insights, publicly available real estate resources, and AI writing assistance via ChatGPT/Perplexity by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, the information provided is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or professional advice.

Readers are encouraged to consult with licensed professionals before making any real estate decisions. Neither Turn Keys With MG, Matthew Garcia DRE# 02251181, nor Real Brokerage Technologies assume any liability or responsibility for actions taken based on the content of this blog. Always verify any legal or regulatory advice with appropriate authorities or qualified professionals.