(Part one was posted on Monday, 8/16.) Secondly, many a seller will simply refuse to sell to someone who they feel has insulted or disrespected them. That insult can be inferred from a lowball, below-market-value offer, or from a buyer’s running commentary on all the things they would change about the place if it was their house. (Note – you already know not to rave and gush to the sellers when you see a house you like. Neither should you trash it.)

And it’s not any different when it comes to institutional sellers, like banks selling foreclosed homes or approving short sales. They don’t take lowball offers either – most lenders say a 10% discount off the market value – not the list price! – is about as low as they’ll go. ~Connie Cooper