You’ve taken the time to get your home ready, chosen a price that makes sense, and finally listed it for sale. So when an offer comes in far below what you expected, it can feel discouraging — or even insulting. Many sellers immediately wonder if they should reject it outright or worry that something is wrong with their listing.

The truth is, a lowball offer doesn’t automatically mean your home is overpriced or that the deal is doomed. How you respond matters more than the offer itself.

Why Lowball Offers Happen More Often Than You Think

Low offers are part of real estate, especially in markets like Myrtle Beach where buyers may include out-of-state purchasers, second-home buyers, or investors who expect to negotiate aggressively. Some buyers start low to “test” a seller’s flexibility, while others are simply unfamiliar with local pricing.

In many cases, the buyer isn’t trying to offend you — they’re trying to gather information. In fact, research from the National Association of Realtors shows that buyers often view their first offer as the opening of a conversation, not the final word.

Is the Offer Truly Low — or a Market Signal?

Before reacting, it’s important to step back and look at the broader picture. An offer that feels low emotionally may still be worth considering strategically.

Ask a few grounding questions:

• How does this offer compare to recent sales?

• Has your home been on the market longer than expected?

• Are buyers negotiating similarly on selling a home in South Carolina right now?

If multiple buyers are circling around the same lower price range, the offer may be signaling how the market is responding — not how your home is valued personally.

Avoid the Emotional Response Trap

It’s completely normal to feel frustrated by a low offer, but reacting emotionally can weaken your position. Immediate rejection without discussion can shut down a deal that might have been workable with the right counter.

At the same time, accepting a low offer too quickly can leave money on the table and create regret later. The goal is to respond thoughtfully, not reactively.

Smart Ways to Respond Without Giving Up Leverage

There’s no one-size-fits-all response, but sellers generally have three productive options:

Counter with intention.
A counteroffer slightly below your asking price shows you’re open to negotiating without abandoning your value. This keeps the conversation going while setting clearer expectations.

Hold firm and wait.
If your pricing is well-supported and interest is strong, doing nothing can be a strategy. Buyers who start low sometimes improve their offer once they see you’re not desperate.

Shift the focus away from price.
If the gap feels wide, look at other terms — timing, contingencies, or possession flexibility — that could make the offer more attractive without reducing your price.

The key is knowing your bottom line before negotiations begin, so decisions stay grounded in logic rather than pressure.

Knowing When It’s Okay to Walk Away

Not every offer deserves a counter. If a buyer refuses to move closer to market value or the gap remains unrealistic after discussion, walking away can be the smartest move. Sometimes the best response to a lowball offer is patience — the right buyer often comes along once the home is positioned clearly.

If you’re unsure how to interpret an offer or want to get clarity before responding, having a calm, data-driven conversation can make the next step much clearer.

Lowball offers are frustrating, but they’re also common — and manageable. When handled correctly, they can open the door to productive negotiations rather than closing it. The goal isn’t to “win” the exchange, but to protect your value while staying open to the right outcome for your situation.