How to Handle Lowball Offers Like a Pro in Today’s Market (Without Getting Offended)

It happens. You’ve worked hard to prep and list your home, and then—boom—an offer comes in tens of thousands below asking.

Before you get frustrated or reject it on the spot, know this: Lowball offers can still lead to great deals—if you handle them strategically.

Here’s how to keep your cool and turn a “low” offer into a win in the Fall 2025 East Bay market.

🤨 Why Do Buyers Lowball?

Some buyers:

• Hope to “test the waters” in a shifting market

• Assume sellers are desperate (not always true!)

• Misread comps or don’t understand your upgrades

• Want room to negotiate—they may expect a counteroffer

🧠 Step 1: Take the Emotion Out

It’s natural to feel insulted by a low offer—but this is a business decision, not a personal one.

Instead of reacting, ask:

• Is the buyer serious or fishing?

• Is the offer clean (no contingencies, fast close)?

• What comps are they likely referencing?

🔍 Step 2: Review the Terms (Not Just the Price)

Sometimes a low price comes with strong terms:

• All-cash

• Quick close

• No repairs requested

• Non-contingent

Those may be worth tens of thousands in value to you, especially if you're relocating or carrying another mortgage.

🔄 Step 3: Craft a Smart Counteroffer

Don’t just reject—counter strategically:

• Adjust price but hold firm on value (include comps, updates, or timeline leverage)

• Offer seller credits instead of lowering price

• Keep your terms clean and consistent

You’re showing you’re open—but not desperate.

⚠️ Step 4: Know When to Walk Away

If a buyer isn’t serious, you’ll feel it after the counter. Don't waste days in back-and-forth when better buyers are touring your listing.

But remember:
✅ Even a lowball offer is a sign of interest
✅ You’re in control of the conversation
✅ A win-win is still possible

🧭 Real Talk: What’s Happening in the East Bay Right Now?

• Some Berkeley and Oakland sellers are seeing initial low offers, then negotiating up by $50K+

• In Pleasant Hill and San Leandro, buyers are more aggressive with price—but flexible on terms

• In slower submarkets, it’s better to keep a serious buyer engaged than start over

Bottom Line:
Lowball offers don’t have to be deal breakers. With the right response, they’re just opening bids that can lead to a strong sale.

Let’s talk about how to evaluate, respond, and win in this market.