I've seen some things.

Things that make me cringe so hard, my face contorts into a pretzel.

Things that make me want to scream, "Noooo! Don't do that!" from the rooftops.

I'm talking about the most embarrassing homebuying mistake I've ever seen. A mistake that could cost you your dream home, your sanity, and maybe even your relationship.

So, what is this mortifying blunder that I'm so desperate to warn you about?

It's falling for the "lowball offer" trap.

Yes, you heard me right. While it might seem tempting to throw out a ridiculously low offer on a house, hoping to snag a bargain, it's actually a recipe for disaster.

Here's why:

1. It insults the seller. Most sellers have put a lot of time, effort, and money into their home, and they deserve to be treated with respect. A lowball offer sends the message that you don't value their property or their time.

2. It makes you look desperate. When you lowball, it shows the seller that you're desperate to buy a house, which puts you in a weak negotiating position. They know they can wait for a better offer, and they might even be tempted to reject your offer outright

3. It could cost you the house. In a competitive market, sellers often receive multiple offers. If your offer is significantly lower than the others, it's likely to be rejected. You could miss out on your dream home simply because you tried to be too cheap.

4. It could lead to a bidding war. If the seller does accept your lowball offer, they might be tempted to counter with a much higher price. This could start a bidding war, driving the price of the house up way above its market value

5. It could damage your reputation. If you develop a reputation for making lowball offers, other sellers might be hesitant to work with you. This could make it even harder to find your dream home.

So, what should you do instead?

Make a fair offer based on the market value of the house.

This means doing your research, understanding comparable sales, and working with your agent to determine a reasonable offer.

A fair offer has a much higher chance of being accepted, and it shows the seller that you're serious about buying their home.

Here are some tips for making a fair offer:

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will show the seller that you're a serious buyer and that you have the financial means to purchase their home.
• Work with a top buyer's agent. A good agent (like me!) will help you determine the fair market value of the house and will negotiate on your behalf to get you the best possible price.
• Be prepared to walk away. If the seller isn't willing to negotiate, don't be afraid to walk away. There are plenty of other houses out there, and you don't want to overpay for a home that isn't worth it.

Making a fair offer is the best way to increase your chances of getting your dream home at a price you can afford.

Don't let the "lowball offer" trap turn your dream of homeownership into a nightmare.

Contact me today and start your journey the right way.