How to Handle Lowball Offers as a FSBO Seller

How to Handle Lowball Offers as a FSBO Seller (Without Losing Your Cool)

You Just Got the Offer.

You’re standing in your kitchen, sipping that third cup of cafecito, and boom—an email notification hits:

“Offer: $265,000.”

Your asking price? $310,000.

Are they for real?! You feel your chest tighten. Hands hover over the keyboard. You’re ready to delete that thing.

But hold up…

What if this is just the opening move?

What if—instead of reacting—you leaned in and flipped the script?

This is how you handle lowball offers like a pro FSBO seller—without losing your cool, your confidence, or your cash.

📉 What Is a Lowball Offer (And Why Do Buyers Do This)?

A lowball offer is usually 10–25% below your asking price, sometimes even worse. It’s a tactic. A test. Sometimes just a Hail Mary from buyers hoping to catch a deal.

Real estate investors? They’re trained to make bold offers. It’s their playbook.

Regular buyers? Often told to “start low” by friends or agents.

"36% of FSBO sellers say negotiation is the hardest part of selling a home." – Zillow

When you understand the psychology, you stop getting offended—and start playing chess, not checkers.

🧠 Common Buyer Tactics You’ll See

1️⃣ Start super low to test desperation

They’re fishing. Trying to see if you’ll flinch.

2️⃣ Call out flaws to justify price

“Oh the roof’s old.” “Kitchen’s outdated.”—they’re setting the stage for a discount.

3️⃣ Act disinterested

They pretend they’ve got 10 other homes lined up, hoping you’ll chase them.

4️⃣ Rush the clock

“We need an answer by tonight.”

Pressure tactic. Stay calm. You don’t owe anyone urgency.

Recognize the game. Stay in control.

✨ Step 1: Pause. Breathe. Don’t Take It Personal

This ain’t about you. It’s just the game.

Maybe they: 🔹 Think your home needs work

🔹 Are testing what you’ll accept

🔹 Were coached to "start low and see"

They’re not expecting a calm, confident, FSBO-savvy seller who knows exactly how to clap back with class.

⚔️ Step 2: Respond Like a Pro (Not an Amateur)

Let’s say the offer is $265K on your $310K home.

Your bottom line is $295K.

Instead of panicking or dropping $10K off the bat, try this:

📩 Lowball Response Email Template

“Thanks for the offer. Based on recent comps and the upgrades we’ve made, we’re countering at $305,000. We’re open to a quick close and flexible on the move-out date.”

Why it works:

✔️ Removes emotion

✔️ Reinforces value with comps

✔️ Keeps you in the power seat

🧳 Step 3: Bundle the Terms, Not Just the Price

Buyers want a deal? Cool. You want one too.

If they’re offering less, ask for:

✔️ Faster close

✔️ Cash offer

✔️ No repair requests

✔️ Waived contingencies or appraisal

It’s not just about price—it’s about the whole deal.

Sometimes, the right lowball with great terms still wins.

⚖️ Step 4: Know When to Walk—And When to Work It

If it feels disrespectful, let it go without burning the bridge.

But if they’re just fishing? You can guide the negotiation.

FSBO Win Story:

A seller in our FSBO Power Play community listed at $280K. First offer? A brutal $240K.

Instead of walking, they:

• Backed it up with comps

• Explained the upgrades

• Asked for a quick, no-contingency close

They closed at $270K—cash—in just 11 days.

That’s the power of knowing the game.

🧠 Power Negotiation Tips for FSBO Sellers

✔️ Know Your Numbers

Have your comps. Be ready to justify your price.

✔️ Always Be the Anchor

Start high—you can’t go up after agreeing too low.

✔️ Use Silence as a Tool

Don’t respond right away. Let them sweat. You’re not desperate.

✔️ Stay Professional

No “Are you serious?” vibes. Keep it classy. Stay calm.

❓ FAQs About Lowball Offers

🔹 What’s considered a lowball offer in real estate?

Anything more than 10–15% below list is usually considered lowball.

🔹 Should I counter a lowball offer?

Yes, if they seem serious. Just don’t chase a deal that doesn’t feel right.

🔹 Can a lowball offer still turn into a sale?

Absolutely. It’s often just the starting point, not the final word.

🔹 How do I politely reject a low offer?

"Thanks for the offer, but we’re looking for something closer to market value based on recent sales."

Final Thought: Stay in Control

Lowball offers are part of the FSBO hustle. Don’t let them shake you.

🔥 Stay calm

🔥 Counter smart

🔥 Protect your value

The seller who stays centered?

Wins the game.

Want More Scripts, Templates, and Power Plays?

Check out the FSBO Power Play Course—your no-fluff, step-by-step blueprint to sell solo like a pro:

📌 Control the process

📌 Keep your profit

📌 Skip the commission