Hi bbrumm,

When we were looking for our PPOR, I started with a low offer of 10% under the vendors minimum asking price… same as yourself. I was informed by the agent on the day that all offers MUST be presented to the owners even if they are very low. So I knew there was nothing to lose. I was informed the next morning that the offer was rejected. Luckily the agent had also told me the current owners had already put an offer on a new house but finance was subject to this house getting sold. So we had the upper hand. 2 weeks later the house was still on the market but it was the final viewing so we went in and offered 4% under the minimum asking price. The agent did everything to try and convince us it wouldn't be accepted but the next day I received a call with a counter-offer. I politely declined and remained firm with my offer. The next day we were told the house was ours.

This may not always work out but the point is, stay firm with what you believe and put on a poker face. After all it is the BUYER who decides what the house is worth, not the agent.

Cheers