I received a call from an experienced and talented real estate agent  today and I told her that my buyer client is reviewing financing options and that we have been discussing the terms and conditions of a contract. A contract on one of her listings – a really nice property in a really nice master planned community in Intown Atlanta. I told her that my client is probably going to make a “lowball” offer. She knows what to expect for a win with her seller client, and so do I. My client wants a win/win. He wants the seller to accept his offer, but he also wants to negotiate. He thinks that the seller wants to negotiate. Sellers really don’t WANT to negotiate. So, I emailed my client and I told him that one way to help establish his offer as a serious offer that demands a serious response from the seller, and not just a toss, is to increase his earnest money offering. Do you have a clear understanding of the role of earnest money in a real estate … [Read more...]