Offering 13% below asking on a retail unit in Atlanta — sensible or too aggressive at $1,170,000

[mae.lee]

We’re looking at an Atlanta retail unit listed for $1,170,000. It has been available for 68 days and needs updating. Asking-price comparables are close, but we cannot find enough completed sales to establish the likely clearing price.

We have one night to decide whether to open 13% below asking—about $1,017,900—with clean financing and flexibility on completion. How can we explain the figure without antagonising the seller? I’m also reluctant to waive inspection, financing or appraisal protection, particularly if repairs or an appraisal gap could put the deposit at risk. Are we overthinking this?

 

[zane_homes]

The number is defensible if it comes with financing proof and a short, calm explanation: limited completed comparables, required updating, and the unit’s 68 days on the market. I would not inflate the offer merely because the response window is tight.

That said, 13% may get little engagement if the seller is not motivated. Ask whether price, completion timing or certainty matters most. Keep inspection and financing protection; if inspection finds issues, decide then whether to seek repair credits. Define appraisal-gap and deposit exposure clearly before signing.