I could have sold a listing today, only the buyer and seller could not see eye to eye regarding "seller's 
assistance" . The seller just couldn't believe that the buyer would ask for such a huge amount towards closing costs, and can't justify paying it out of her pocket for someone who does not have the cash to purchase the home of their choice. I have to admit that I agreed with her.
This home was just listed recently -- a very nice, well-cared for home, and most importantly it is priced accordingly. Imagine our surprise when we saw the amount of seller's assistance that the buyer wanted.
Now, I know how the ballgame works, and sometimes there is no harm in asking for seller's assistance. Let's play ball! But, when the home has been on the market for just over a week, there is almost no point in going right for the jugular. You'll just end up striking out that way. It was our turn to bat, and we ended up countering the offer with a figure that we felt was very fair and accomodating to their needs, and the buyer refused it and walked away. It seems they need the entire amount financed, and can't "play in the game" without it. I'm sure they'll find a seller who is a bit more desperate and would be willing to accomodate them, but it won't be this one. Yer' outta here!
The other agent seems to be a newbie (no harm in that -- I was one too at some point), but whoever has been "coaching" her on how to play fair failed to tell her that not every seller will accept an offer with seller's assistance, and also failed to tell her that not every seller in Lancaster County is going to be so desperate to sell! She felt there was nothing wrong with her pitch offer, and was apparently told that it was the way to go when putting in an offer and playing ball. I guess she'll learn the old fashioned way -- trial and error.
In the meantime, we'll wait for the right -- qualified -- buyer to come along and pitch a new offer to us. Hopefully, the innings will be longer, this time!
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Jeannie Kontis, RealtorⓇ, is a member of the award-winning Bob Wells Realty Group of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc, and serves buyers and sellers of real estate throughout Lancaster County.
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