Asking for Painting/Carpet/Landscape "allowances" (Cary: sales, real estate)

[ceili723]

Hello,
Is this common in the local market? There are several houses that we are okay with the location, but some immediate work would be necessary. In our price range ($270-300K) we have seen several listings that have dropped by 10% or more. Do sellers generally prefer a lower offer or an offer closer to LP but with contingencies thrown in?

[Stavs]

As someone selling a house (in PA), I would take either. In the end, you end up with about the same price. If someone low balled me with an offer, my realtor would make it clear that if I were to accept, that would basically be it for the discounts, unless a home inspection found something major.

[starla]

That depends. If I would have to pay realtors' commissions on the allowance, then I'd prefer the lower offer. If I wouldn't, then it wouldn't matter. I assume I'd have to pay commissions on the allowance, but I don't really know.

[JUST$OLD]

hi Ceili723 -- I think most people worry about the net of what they get out of their home... so it really comes down to if you ask for $2000 for redecoration fee but offer the asking price .. there is no difference than offering $2000 off the listing price. Here's a couple of things to keep in mind. I am a Realtor and lenders generally are not allowing cash back to the buyers these days, but allowing expenses or closing costs in lieu of these allowances. The real estate agents' commissions are based on the sales price of the home, so keep that in mind. Let me know if I can help in any way!!

[bonnielisabeth]

Our realtor recommend we offer one for the house in Cary we are trying to sell...so yes, I think some realtors support that sort of thing in the area!