4 Steps to Handle a Lowball Offer in Dallas-Fort Worth

By Justin Croft

Justin Croft has a passion for buying and selling residential real estate that is contagious. He is a skilled negotiator and problem solver who thrives on going above and beyond for his clients.

Have you ever gotten a lowball offer on your home and thought, “Are these people serious?” It happens more often than you’d think, and the first thing I tell every seller is the same: don’t take it personally.

Most low offers are just a starting point. Buyers are testing the waters to see how flexible you are, and your response is what determines where the conversation goes from here.

1. Understand the offer. Before you respond, figure out what’s behind the number. Is the buyer misinformed about the market? Or are they simply trying to get the best deal they can? That distinction changes how you handle it. A buyer who doesn’t understand your home’s value needs education. A buyer who’s testing you needs a firm, confident response.

2. Stay calm. This is a business negotiation. The moment you get emotional, you lose your position. Frustration and eagerness both work against you. The seller who stays steady and composed controls the outcome.

3. Counter with facts. Don’t just reject the offer and move on. Respond with a number that reflects your home’s true value, backed by recent sales and the condition of the property. A strong counter keeps the conversation alive and shows the buyer you know exactly what your home is worth.

4. Know when to walk away. If the offer is way too low and not worth your time, it’s okay to walk away. Not every offer deserves a counter. Having a clear bottom line before you ever list keeps you from second-guessing in the moment.

If you’ve received an offer that doesn’t feel right, or you want to make sure you’re set up to handle whatever comes in, I’d love to help you build a strategy that protects your home’s value from the first showing to the closing table. Call me at 214-213-7200, email justin@croftrealestategroup.com, or visit blog.croftrealestategroup.com, and let’s make sure you’re ready before the first offer hits.