Requesting a best and final offer is a seller's tactic to try and encourage high offers on a property. The usual process is that an estate agent will advise potential buyers to make their offer by a certain date. This avoids the need for the seller to enter into negotiations with multiple purchasers.
“In a buyer's market, I would not hesitate to submit an offer that's around 10% below asking,” advises Chris Cloud of Exit Heritage Realty in Haymarket, VA. “Most sellers will at least see that as worthy of a counteroffer.”
Real estate agents often suggest that sellers either accept the first offer or at least give it serious consideration. Real estate agents around the world generally go by the same mantra when discussing the first offer that a seller receives on their home: The first offer is always your best offer.
Legally speaking, there isn't a time frame for sellers to respond to your offer. However, it's an unspoken rule in the industry that sellers and/or the listing agents should respond within a few days, with 48 hours as the norm.
Tips For Writing An Offer Letter For a House Confirm You Can Submit A Letter. Address The Seller(s) By Name And Introduce Yourself. Highlight What You Like Best About The House. Keep It Short. Avoid Talking About Planned Changes To The House. Don't Talk About Financials. End With A Thank You. Proofread Your Letter.
You can always offer 20-50% under asking.