Day 5: Let the Games Begin

After making our initial offer, we waited in anticipation. Expecting a counteroffer, we were somewhat surprised at the response we got from our realtor. Within a day of our offer, we heard back. Unfortunately, we didn't get a counteroffer. We did get the first sign that the happy demeanor of the previous owner might have just been a facade or at least somewhat tarnished. Our realtor informed us that he not only received the traditional response phone call from the selling agent, but a personalized response directly from the owner. In a nutshell, both phone calls questioned his ability as a realtor considering the initial offer was disrespectful and a joke. 

We wondered if taking advantage of what we perceived as leverage had just severed ties with the owner and eliminated our ability to continue negotiations. Would he interpret us as impossible to work with and simply move on? Had our bravado essentially dashed any hopes of acquiring the property?  Our realtor, though admittedly taken aback by such an angry response, talked us off the ledge. Knowing the house had been on the market for multiple years without any offers he interpreted this response as more of a negotiating tactic rather than a relationship-killer. He predicted that in the worst case scenario, we wouldn’t immediately hear back again with a counteroffer. Then, we simply increase our offer. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait long for a response.

Despite his attempt to establish dominance and control the situation, a counteroffer was made just hours after the hostile phone conversations. It appeared we were still in the game. While the counter wasn’t yet to our liking, we knew there was intent and interest to sell. 

Our emotional roller coaster had just begun. Over the next few days, which felt like years, we crunched potential numbers looking at loan interest rates, mortgage payments, and discussed how a move would alter the life we had become comfortable with over the last fifteen years. Could we afford this upgrade? Should we? Are we making the right choice for our family? At the same time, we made plans to prepare for home for potential showings.

The work was only just beginning.