An offensive—or "lowball"—offer is a bid significantly below a home's asking price, usually 10% to 25% or more. Because sellers often have an emotional connection to their homes, these offers are often perceived as disrespectful and risk being rejected outright without a counter-offer.
In real estate terms, a “lowball offer” typically refers to an offer significantly below the seller's asking price—often by 20% or more. While making a lower offer is not inherently rude, it can be risky if the seller interprets it as dismissive or unrealistic.
The 3-3-3 rule in real estate is a financial framework designed to prevent buyers from overextending themselves. It acts as a safety net to ensure you have a financial cushion and do not overpay.
Fear of Rejection
The possibility of rejection can terrify new real estate agents and cause them to turn away from opportunities. No one wants to hear they aren't likable or good enough.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.
Since demand outweighs supply, housing prices are higher, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the fall to winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and higher DOM during these months.
Topic #1 to avoid: Your ceiling
One of those topics is how much you are willing to pay for a certain property. Because if you go too high, agents won't stop you. And if you're way low, the agent and the seller may not take you seriously.
Many of the reasons that cause buyers to fire their real estate agents also apply to sellers. If you're selling your home and your agent is a poor communicator, is unfamiliar with the type of home you're trying to sell, or is acting unethically, it might be time to end the relationship.
Yes, a 70-year-old woman can absolutely get a 30-year mortgage. Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, lenders are legally prohibited from discriminating against applicants based on age. Approval is based entirely on your ability to repay the loan, supported by your credit score, income, assets, and debt.
These three essential factors — Credit, Capacity, and Collateral — play a pivotal role in determining your eligibility and terms for a mortgage.
A famous quote by Andrew Carnegie suggests that real estate ownership creates 90% of millionaires. While wealth managers debate the exact percentage, most modern research—such as studies by Ramsey Solutions and GOBankingRates—agrees that real estate and disciplined long-term investing are the primary drivers.
Once you find a property you want to buy, and draft your purchase offer, consider these things that could convince a seller to accept.
The biggest red flag in a home inspection is compromised structural integrity, frequently caused by hidden water damage or foundation issues. While minor electrical or plumbing fixes are easy to manage, structural failures compromise the safety of the entire home and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair.
Most Common Complaints
What Not to Fix When Selling a House: A Comprehensive Guide
Working with the wrong real estate agent can cost you time, peace of mind, and thousands of dollars. Major red flags include delayed communication, pressuring you to waive contingencies, overpricing to win your listing, or lacking deep local market knowledge.
Estate agent contracts: Do I have to pay estate agent fees if I pull out? This will depend on the estate agent contract you've signed. Some agents will still charge a marketing fee even if you sit out the notice period. Check the contract before you sign.
Quick answer: No. 6% is no longer the standard real estate commission. The 2026 U.S. average is 5.70%. Most sellers still pay close to 6% in practice, but you can cut total commission to 4.5% or less by hiring a 1.5% listing agent or negotiating with your current agent.
References:
On a $100,000 salary, purchasing a $500,000 house is generally considered a financial stretch. Most lenders and real estate experts recommend a maximum home price of $350,000 to $400,000 for your income level.
The most damaging tricks include off-market pitches, inflated pricing promises, dual agency pressure, hidden offers, and fake competition. Buyers and sellers protect themselves by vetting agents hard, demanding transparency, and questioning any advice that puts the agent's paycheck first.
Yes, you can fire your REALTOR® during the home buying process, depending on the terms of your agreement, but there are things to keep in mind to avoid burning bridges or violating any contracts.
Common Business Broker Red Flags
Unethical Business Practices. Poor Communication Skills. Aggressive Sales Tactics. Incomplete Documentation.