After several years of strong seller’s markets in Calgary, things are starting to shift — and with that shift comes a familiar trend: under-market offers (a.k.a. lowball offers). 😬
But here’s the truth:
Getting a low offer doesn’t mean your home isn’t valuable — it means you’re in the negotiation phase of the market cycle.
Smart sellers know that how you handle these offers can make all the difference between frustration and a great deal. Let’s talk strategy.
1. Don’t Take It Personally 🙅♀️
First things first — don’t get offended.
Low offers aren’t personal; they’re tactical. Many buyers are testing to see where sellers will bend, especially in a cooling or balanced market.
Your job as a seller is to stay objective. Take a breath, look at the offer through a business lens, and remember: even a low offer means someone wants your home.
✨ Pro tip: A low offer is still an opportunity — it’s better than no offer.
2. Always Respond 💬
Even if the offer feels insulting, don’t reject it outright.
When you respond — even with a firm counteroffer — you keep the conversation going. Negotiations often bridge surprising gaps, and what starts 5–10% below asking can still end up at a price you’re thrilled with.
✨ Pro tip: Use a professional, calm tone in your counteroffer. Emotions can shut down deals faster than numbers can.
3. Understand Buyer Motivation 🎯
Buyers submit lower offers for a reason — sometimes it’s fear, sometimes it’s finances. Understanding why can help you strategize.
Common buyer motivations include:
Rising interest rates or affordability worries
Following poor online advice (“Always start low!”)
Overanalyzing market headlines
Wanting to feel they “won” the deal
Ask your REALTOR® to dig a bit deeper into the buyer’s circumstances. The more you know, the better you can respond.
4. Lean on the Data 📊
Data wins negotiations.
If your listing is priced correctly, you can confidently back up your value using comparable sales (comps), average days on market, and current inventory trends.
✨ Pro tip: Have your REALTOR® prepare a short, professional response package showing how your price aligns with the market — not just emotion, but evidence.
5. Be Strategic, Not Stubborn 🤝
There’s a fine line between holding firm and losing a deal out of pride.
Sometimes meeting halfway — or offering a non-price incentive like flexible possession, leaving appliances, or covering part of the closing costs — can bring a buyer back to the table.
✨ Pro tip: Every negotiation has leverage points beyond price. A creative strategy can win the deal without giving up your bottom line.
6. The Power of a Calm Seller 😌
Sellers who stay calm during negotiations nearly always end up with better results. Why?
Because buyers can sense desperation, frustration, or rigidity.
Staying professional and composed builds trust — and trust closes deals.
✨ Pro tip: Lean on your REALTOR® to manage communication. They’re the buffer that keeps emotions in check and outcomes focused on results.
FAQs: Handling Low Offers in Calgary
Q: Should I reject a low offer right away?
No. Always counter — even if it’s firm. It keeps the conversation alive and often leads to stronger offers.
Q: Are low offers normal in today’s Calgary market?
Yes. With balanced conditions and more listings, buyers are testing sellers again — it’s part of the shift back to a healthier market.
Q: What if I don’t get another offer?
If offers are consistently low, your REALTOR® can help you reassess pricing, presentation, or marketing strategy.
Related Reading
Conclusion
Getting a low offer doesn’t mean you’ve lost the upper hand — it means it’s time to negotiate strategically.
In today’s Calgary market, under-market offers are a sign of shifting balance — and with the right approach, sellers who stay calm, informed, and flexible are still coming out ahead.
✨ Want to handle any offer with confidence? DM me “PROSELLER” for my free Smart Seller Negotiation Guide, packed with real-life scripts, pricing tips, and proven strategies to help you negotiate like a pro.
About Kristen Edmunds
Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.
