The link below is to an interesting article by Ilyce R. Glink with Samuel J. Tamkin that appeared on Washington Post online on April 3rd. It deals with a perception some buyers have that property owners selling today must so anxious to sell that an offer well below the list price will be accepted. The article walks buyers through several purchase scenarios including buying foreclosed properties and short sales.
Actually, buyers will benefit the most by working with an agent who not only knows the neighborhood where the property is located, but one who will advise on an offer price by providing an analysis using list and final sales prices for comparable properties as well as list prices for those properties under contract. It's always best to do some research before making an offer and especially so when considering making an offer well below the Seller's list price because, as the authors caution, "sometimes a low-ball offer will work and sometimes it won't." Working with a knowledgeable Realtor® will help you determine your most advantageous offer price.
If you'd like to read the entire article, CLICK HERE