You have found the perfect house with everything you wanted--and then some--but the price is more than you want to pay. You decide to go for it anyway, and ask the agent to submit what real estate agents call a "low ball" offer.

Low ball offers sometimes work. If the market is fluctuating and the sellers are anxious, they may just accept it. They may be willing to negotiate if they have listed the house at a higher price than is reasonable. Most sellers are open to offers, but they won't give their house away, especially if the asking price is in line with recent sales of similar homes.

What do you have to lose by making a low offer? If the seller yells and screams, the agent will be the focus of his wrath -- and we don't take it personally. If you really want the house, however, a very low initial offer may irritate the seller to the point that he won't consider a better offer, if you decide to submit one. Design your strategy on the basis of how badly you want the house.

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