33. 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 they will submit a lower offer to the owner, adhering to the owner's willingness to consider offers above $167,000. This response aligns with the owner's instruction while maintaining professionalism in the negotiation process.
A) The property is listed at $170,000, but it could sell for $168,000.
This option is incorrect as it suggests a possibility without committing to the owner's instructions. The licensee should not imply that the property could sell for a price lower than what the owner is willing to accept, as it may mislead the prospect about the owner's intentions.
B) The property is listed at $170,000, but I will submit a lower offer to the owner.
This option is correct because it directly addresses the prospect's question while respecting the owner's instructions. By indicating a willingness to submit the offer of $168,000, the licensee follows the owner's guidance and maintains transparency in the negotiation process.
C) I'm sure the owner will accept an offer of $168,000 with immediate occupancy.
This option is incorrect as it makes an assumption about the owner's acceptance of a specific offer without confirmation. The licensee cannot guarantee acceptance of an offer below the listed price, even if the owner is open to negotiations.
D) An offer of $168,000 is lower than the listed price, but I expect the listed price to be changed soon.
This option is incorrect because it provides unnecessary speculation about future price changes, which does not address the prospect's question. The focus should remain on the current offer and the owner's willingness to negotiate rather than making predictions about the listing price.
Conclusion
The correct answer is B, as it accurately reflects the licensee's duty to communicate the owner's willingness to negotiate while maintaining professionalism. Options A, C, and D either misrepresent the situation or make unfounded assumptions, failing to adhere to the owner's instructions regarding offers. Thus, B is the most appropriate response for the context provided.