A house for sale by owner is listed at $155K, I told them I wouldn't go over $140K. Is my offer reasonable?

It's all supply and demand.


If they don't get a better offer for a while, or get several other lower offers, your offer will start looking good. Most folks list their house a little higher than they'll accept to leave room to bargain. If housing is scarce where you live you can kiss it goodbye.


Do put it in a contract, though, and not just talk.


Once they see it on paper it means more. And if you're really unwilling to pay more, tell them to hold on to the offer and sleep on it, then check with them in a few weeks. Maybe they'll come down.


It's a reasonable offer, but don't start demanding all kinds of repairs and all the closing costs, etc.A house for sale by owner is listed at $155K, I told them I wouldn't go over $140K. Is my offer reasonable?
If you really want the house you may want to bargain a little...maybe to 145?A house for sale by owner is listed at $155K, I told them I wouldn't go over $140K. Is my offer reasonable?
Really depends on the market but I think it's pretty reasonable. Generally it's a buyers market right now, so you most likely have the upper hand on this deal. But honestly, you have the price you are willing to pay--stick to it, and if it doesn't work in this deal be patient. Eventually you will find something that works for you.
Maybe it is and maybe it isn't. Without knowing a lot more information it's not possible to say.





If they're already asking 10% less than recently sold comps, your offer is an insult and totally unreasonable. If they're asking 20% than the comps, your offer may be a bit high as it is.
It depends how much you are willing to pay for a down payment. If you give them a big down payment, that will definately make the seller go for it. You need to also consider how long you're going to take to pay them back. If you take like 20 years or more, they probably won't go for it.





Also look at the prices of the neighboring houses.
HONESTLY? I'd offer AT LEAST $145k to start with, and if that offer is rejected you know that the owner will not likely sell for less than $150k (at best). Sorry.
What have other houses sold for in the past year? No matter what state your in you can look this up.
How motivated are the sellers? Do you know how long they've been trying to sell their house? I know where I work in So. Cali, a $15k price decrease is not a big deal, but to someone with a $155k asking price, 10% drop could be insulting. The worst they could do is not even counter you back. In that case, if your willing to come up a bit, try submitting a new offer. Also, you can ask a Realtor to look up how much they owe on the property in the tax records(you don't need to USE the agent, people USE me for information all the time ; ) That will give you a general idea of what their break even point is. And since they aren't using a Realtor, they're also saving a commission. Considering that, they may be inclined to take your offer if they are motivated enough. Hope that helps ; )
Your offer is what you are willing to pay. Reasonable-ness has nothing to do with it. They have the right to refuse your offer, or counter offer.