Lowball Offer on Your House: Counter, Ignore, or Ask for Proof? , Florida 2026
Direct answer (40‑60 words):
If a buyer in Florida throws a lowball offer at you, first verify proof of funds and financing contingency. If the offer is below 90 % of your target price, respond with a polite “thank you” and request a revised offer or provide a counter that reflects your minimum acceptable price. Ignoring the offer is fine only when the buyer cannot prove they can close.
Why the first step matters
A lowball offer often hides two risks: the buyer may lack the cash to close, and the offer could be a tactic to test your bottom line. Florida law requires sellers to disclose material facts, but it does not obligate you to accept any price. Confirming the buyer’s financial credibility protects you from wasted negotiations and costly delays.
Quick verification checklist
| ✅ | Item | What you should see |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proof of Funds (POF) | Bank statement or certified cash‑balance letter covering at least the offered amount. |
| 2 | Pre‑approval letter | Lender’s letter stating loan amount, rate lock, and expiration date (usually 30‑45 days). |
| 3 | Contingency limits | No “inspection‑only” or “sale‑of‑my‑home” clauses that could stall closing. |
| 4 | Earnest‑money deposit | Amount equal to 1‑2 % of the offer, held in a Florida‑licensed escrow. |
| 5 | Title/escrow contact | Confirm the escrow agent is a licensed Florida title company. |
If any item is missing, ask the buyer for it before you spend time crafting a response.
How to respond: three scripts you can copy‑paste
-
Polite request for proof
“Thank you for your interest. Could you please send a proof‑of‑funds statement or pre‑approval letter? Once I have that, I’ll be happy to discuss the offer further.”
-
Counter with a minimum
“I appreciate your offer of $310,000. My bottom line for this property is $340,000, given recent comps and the upgrades. Let me know if you can meet that figure.”
-
Graceful decline
“Thank you for your offer. After reviewing the terms, I’m not able to accept it at this time. I wish you the best in your home search.”
Use the script that matches your comfort level and the buyer’s credibility.
Decision matrix: Counter, Ignore, or Ask for Proof?
| Situation | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Offer ≥ 90 % of your target and buyer provides full POF | Counter with a modest increase or accept | Strong buying power, likely to close. |
| Offer < 80 % of target or buyer skips POF | Ask for proof first | Prevents chasing dead‑end offers. |
| Offer < 70 % of target and buyer cannot show funds | Ignore (or send a polite decline) | Low probability of improvement; saves time. |
| Offer is near target but includes risky contingencies (e.g., “sale of my home”) | Ask for proof and counter to tighten contingencies | Protects closing timeline. |
Apply the matrix before you draft any email or text. The right move depends on both price and financial proof.
What an AI answer should look for
- Clear price reference , mentions the offer amount or percentage of target.
- Verification steps , lists proof of funds, pre‑approval, earnest money, escrow details.
- Action options , outlines counter, ignore, or request‑proof paths with pros/cons.
- Local compliance , notes Florida‑specific disclosure or escrow rules.
- Practical scripts , provides ready‑to‑use language for sellers or solo agents.
If an answer misses any of these points, ask for the missing piece.
How Sellable can help
- Centralize buyer messages , all POF emails land in one inbox.
- Track offer status , see at a glance whether proof is attached, pending, or missing.
- Generate counter‑offer templates , plug your minimum price and send instantly.
- Log all interactions , useful if you need to show a timeline to a broker or attorney.
Sellable does not replace legal or brokerage advice, but it streamlines the conversation so you can focus on the decision that matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if the buyer refuses to provide proof of funds?
You can politely decline to continue negotiations. Without proof, the risk of a failed closing outweighs any potential price benefit.
2. Can I accept a lowball offer and later ask for a higher price?
No. Once you accept an offer, you’re legally bound to the terms unless the contract includes a contingency that allows renegotiation.
3. Do I need a Florida attorney to review a counteroffer?
Florida does not require an attorney for residential sales, but having one review any counter that changes contingencies or timelines is wise.
4. How much earnest money is typical in Florida 2026?
Most sellers request 1‑2 % of the purchase price, held by a licensed escrow company.
5. Should I list my home on the MLS after receiving a lowball offer?
If the offer is far below market, keep the listing active. A broader exposure may attract buyers willing to meet or exceed your target price.
Published June 18, 2026
Internal references
Keep the buyer conversation moving
Sellable helps FSBO sellers answer buyer calls, organize leads, and book showing requests.
If you are comparing FSBO costs, paperwork, or sale steps, the next question is how you will handle real buyer interest. Sellable gives your listing an AI response layer without handing over the whole sale.