In my day to day real estate practice, I prefer to work with sellers.  It seems to me that sellers have a better sense of what they want (motivation) and what they need (net proceeds).  A buyer tends to be more flighty and even though we are in a great buyers market, most appear to be on an expedition to find out how motivated a seller is.

I'll get to counter offer in a moment ….  Everyone wants value (and instant equity) but why does it seem to be getting more difficult for buyers agents to educate their buyers on "on a good deal".  A good deal is already a good deal and no further discounting should be necessary.  Are most buyers agents writing offers without knowing the comps? Are we really helping our buyers when we "offend" a seller?

In Colorado, we have a basic buy/sell contract that calls for one (1) counter. Amen!  If a buyer was not satisfied with a counter offer but still wanted the house, they would have to start the process over again with a fresh offer.  A contract is basically a "meeting of the minds" and oftentimes going back and forth is just a narrowing of both parties wishes.

The trend seems to be the following scenario: a buyer writes an offer (say $15,000 under asking price, $200,000), the seller counters the price and meets half way (taking off $7,500 of asking price).  If the buyer accepts the counter, both parties will officially be under contract.

Clearly, most transactions are much more complex and buyers tend to have the upper hand during negotiations but as a listing agent, we should help our sellers weigh the activity on the property with their motivation to sell.