I've actually had AMs raise the ask price when presented with a low ball offer. I am almost giddy when I take it back to the buyer's agent.

The typical response is, "What?!? Why are you presenting this to me? It's a complete waste of time!!"

Exactly...

cheese anyone? .... I had an agent once tell me to f**k off and that he wasn't going to submit my offer because I was an "a**hole" wasting his time...

ahh yes, gotta love the agent who is put out for submitting offers on his listing. I have an investor I work with and he submits several offers a month. This one particular agent in the area was seriously pissed that we were submitting an offer on his property. He called me up all huffy and said "you have 1 hour to get the right paperwork together and the highest and best signed and get it back to me". Apparently he had left a pile of papers at the property and the only way to get these forms was to go back to the house, he was unable to fax or email them to me. What a ray of sunshine he was! BTW went back to property, no papers out anywhere, finally found one in a drawer in the kitchen. WOW was all I can say to that!

I had one whining to me last night that it wasn't "fair" that the bank would entertain another buyer after they generated the counter addendums. I finally quit responding to his emails after telling him that until the ink is on the contract,in my hands and signed off on by the AM, we don't have a deal. I woke up to an email saying he will meet with his client and bring the signed contract to my office today by noon.

So much for negotiation skills.

I have been working with this couple for a while, I showed them this house because it's what he is looking for. I know he has more for downpayment & thought he would offer more but obviously he didn't. He is being tight w/his money, so now I know to stick to properties that are $180k or lower. The problem I have been encountering is that many properties in this area have illegal additions (I have posted on the subject). Also, in this area the inspector comes by before closing, due to so many illegal additions used for extra income. I have spoken to agents that deals have fallen through because of these issues. I know that banks are closing deals that offers are at listing price or close to it but buyers until they go thru loosing a deal they don't believe you. I had that before, my buyer gave a low ball offer lost it & the next offer was listing price & got it.

Ok guys,
The listing agent just called me. Ours was among the highest offers, there are a few they are working with. She wants me to send her our highest & best offer for a decision. I will talk to my buyer & see if I can bump it up a bit! Lets see how I can perform some miracles....