25. Although a home is listed for $170,000, the owner has told the licensee that she would accept any offer over $167,000. The licensee shows the home to a prospect, who says, 'Will the owner take $168,000?' The licensee should reply in which of the following ways
Answer: B
The licensee should reply that they will submit a lower offer to the owner.
The licensee should inform the prospect that while the property is listed for $170,000, they will submit a lower offer of $168,000 to the owner, as the owner has indicated they would accept offers above $167,000.
A) The property is listed at $170,000, but it could sell for $168,000
This option is misleading because it implies that the sale price could be negotiated lower without confirming the owner's willingness to accept that specific offer. The owner has already expressed a minimum acceptable offer, and stating it could sell for $168,000 does not accurately represent the owner’s situation or intentions.
B) The property is listed at $170,000, but I will submit a lower offer to the owner
This option accurately reflects the situation as the licensee acknowledges the listed price while also indicating that they will present the prospect’s offer of $168,000 to the owner. This aligns with the owner's willingness to consider offers above $167,000, making it the most appropriate response.
C) I'm sure the owner will accept an offer of $168,000 with immediate occupancy
This statement is presumptive and could mislead the prospect into thinking that the owner has already agreed to that price. The licensee cannot guarantee acceptance of the offer without formally presenting it to the owner first.
D) An offer of $168,000 is lower than the listed price, but I expect the listed price to be changed soon
This option does not address the prospect's inquiry directly and introduces unnecessary speculation about potential price changes. It fails to clarify the current situation regarding the owner’s acceptance of offers, which is the main concern for the prospect.
Conclusion
Option B is the best response as it adheres to the owner's instructions regarding acceptable offers and directly addresses the prospect's question about the $168,000 offer. The other options either misrepresent the situation or introduce uncertainty that could confuse the prospect. Thus, B is the only option that maintains clarity and professionalism in the negotiation process.