The Reverse Offer Toolkit
Turn Interest Into Offers
A proactive listing strategy to re-engage buyers, create urgency, and show sellers you're actively working their home — not just waiting for offers.
What Is a Reverse Offer?
- A reverse offer is your fast track to getting a stalled conversation moving again.
- Instead of waiting for a buyer to take action, you send them a signed offer based on terms your seller is comfortable with.
- This isn’t a public price drop — it’s a private, targeted negotiation tool designed to reignite interest without weakening your seller’s market position.
- It creates a sense of exclusivity and urgency — much like a VIP or “first access” deal — making the buyer feel they’re getting a special opportunity others won’t.
- It puts you back in control of the conversation, showcases you as a proactive problem-solver, and keeps your seller engaged and confident in your marketing strategy.
When to Use This Strategy
Think of the reverse offer as a before-the-price-cut strategy — your best play to create urgency while still holding strong on value.
1
14+ days on market
When a property has been listed for more than two weeks without receiving offers.
2
5+ showings, no offers
When there's been significant interest but no formal offers submitted.
3
Buyer agent followed up but didn't write
When agents have expressed interest on behalf of their clients but haven't submitted paperwork.
4
Feedback around price/competition
When buyers have indicated concerns about pricing or market competition.
5
Seller motivated & flexible
When your seller is ready to consider creative approaches to secure a sale.
Don’t use up all your leverage with repeated price reductions first. Once you’ve dropped the price too far, you lose the ability to make an attractive reverse offer that sparks negotiation.
Seller Email Templates
Time-Sensitive Motivation (for sellers eager to move quickly)
Subject: Let’s Take the Next Step Forward
Hi [Seller Name],
I know your goal is to move things along as quickly as possible, and I think we have an opportunity here. The buyer who recently toured your home seems genuinely interested — but they’re also looking at other options.
We can keep waiting… or we can put your home at the front of the line. My recommendation is to send them a signed offer with seller-approved terms. It’s a targeted, private move that can grab their attention and speed up their decision.
This approach often turns “maybe” into “let’s talk,” and can give us clarity on where they stand without weeks of back-and-forth.
I can have the draft ready today if you’d like to try it.
Value-Protection Framing (for cautious sellers worried about pricE)e drops)
Subject: A Private Offer to Protect Your Price & Create Urgency
Hi [Seller Name],
I know maintaining your home’s value is important to you, and I believe we can protect that while still creating urgency with interested buyers.
Instead of lowering the price publicly — which impacts how the market perceives your home — we target just one or two serious prospects with a signed offer. The terms would be fair and seller-approved, but presented as an exclusive opportunity.
This keeps your list price intact while sending a clear signal to the buyer that you’re ready to make a deal. If they engage, great — if not, we’ve maintained your position while showing you’re actively pursuing every possible avenue.
Would you like me to prepare an offer draft so we can present it this week?
Proactive Problem-Solver Approach (broad appeal)
Subject: Let’s Take the Next Step Forward
Hi [Seller Name],
I know your goal is to move things along as quickly as possible, and I think we have an opportunity here. The buyer who recently toured your home seems genuinely interested — but they’re also looking at other options.
We can keep waiting… or we can put your home at the front of the line. My recommendation is to send them a signed offer with seller-approved terms. It’s a targeted, private move that can grab their attention and speed up their decision.
This approach often turns “maybe” into “let’s talk,” and can give us clarity on where they stand without weeks of back-and-forth.
I can have the draft ready today if you’d like to try it.
Find these templates in Follow Up Boss under Email Templates→ Listing Success Strategies
Seller Scripts
Proactive Problem-Solver Approach (broad appeal)
"Rather than waiting for them to decide, we could flip the script and send them a signed offer with terms you’re comfortable with. Not your rock-bottom, but something fair and attractive to get the conversation going.
The goal isn’t necessarily to get them to accept right away — though that would be great — but to make your home feel like the opportunity they should move on. Often, seeing terms in writing makes a buyer take action.
If they’re serious, we’ll likely get a response. If not, no harm done — but we’ve shown we’re being proactive and trying every smart approach to get this home sold. How do you feel about giving it a try?"
Time-Sensitive Motivation Script
“I know getting this home sold quickly is a priority for you, and I think we have a way to speed things up. The buyer who just toured your home seemed interested — but they’re also looking at other options.
Instead of waiting around, we can put your home front and center by sending them a signed offer with terms you’re comfortable with. This is a private, targeted move to grab their attention and encourage a faster decision.
I can have it ready today, and the worst-case scenario is they don’t respond — but if they do, we could have an active negotiation by the end of the week. Would you like me to draft it?”
Value-Protection Script
“I know you want to protect your home’s value, and I completely agree. That’s why I like this strategy — instead of lowering your price publicly, which changes how buyers perceive your home, we can privately approach one or two serious prospects with a signed offer.
We’d use terms you’re comfortable with and present it as an exclusive opportunity. This keeps your list price intact while showing the buyer we’re ready to make a deal.
If they respond, fantastic — if not, we’ve kept your strong market position and proven we’re exploring every creative avenue to sell your home. Would you like me to put together a draft so we can test the waters?”
How to Write a Reverse Offer
Structuring your offer
- Purchase Price: Seller’s “reverse offer” price (can be same as list or reduced slightly).
- Earnest Money: Suggest a standard % (e.g., 1%).
- COE Date: Choose a flexible but attractive closing date.
- Concessions: Offer a % or dollar amount toward buyer’s costs, rate buydown, or repairs.
- Include personal property (washer/dryer, fridge, etc.)
- Offer to cover home warranty or appraisal fee if applicable.
Page 8 Verbiage
This contract is contingent upon Buyer providing to Seller, within 24 hours of acceptance, either: (a) a completed Arizona Association of REALTORS® (AAR) Pre-Qualification Form from a licensed lender reflecting a loan amount sufficient to cover the purchase, or (b) Proof of Funds sufficient to cover the full purchase price if Buyer is not obtaining financing. If such documentation is not provided within the specified timeframe, Seller may cancel this contract at Seller’s sole discretion.
Buyer and Seller agree that no changes or modifications to this contract shall be valid or considered unless submitted in the form of a formal counteroffer and accepted in writing by both parties.
Sample Contract
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Buyer Agent Email
Thanks again for taking the time to show my listing at [INSERT Address], I really appreciate your time and communication.
I know this approach is a bit unconventional, but my sellers are highly motivated and wanted to initiate the process rather than sit back and hope. They are confident we can put a win-win deal together with your client, so we’ve attached an offer for their consideration. It’s pretty straightforward but here is a quick summary of the terms:
Purchase Price: $XXX,XXXX
Seller Concessions: XXX to be applied toward closing costs, rate buy-down—whatever your client needs
Home Warranty: $XXX toward buyer’s choice
Buyer Broker Compensation: XX%
Close of Escrow: XX days, but we’re completely open and flexible to whatever timeline works best for your client
Title Company: ESCROW OFFICER at Navi Title—she’s one of the best in the business and will offer discounted title fees to help lower your buyer’s closing costs
[INSERT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HOME]
It sounded like your client had some interest, so we figured this could be a great way to get the conversation started. If this does not work, send back a counter! Let’s make something happen!
Quick Checklist + Toolkit Access
Confirm Strategy With Seller
- Review feedback and interest level from recent showings.
- Discuss seller’s comfort range for price, concessions, and terms.
- Confirm seller understands reverse offer is private and does not change public list price.
- Get seller’s approval to proceed.
Gather Details for the Offer
- Purchase Price agreed upon.
- Earnest Money Amount (usually 1% of purchase price).
- Close of Escrow Date (flexible if possible).
- Seller Concessions (amount/purpose — e.g., rate buydown, closing costs).
- Included Items (appliances, home warranty, personal property).
- Add any special incentives (short inspection, early possession).
Result
Spark activity, shift momentum, or have a better seller convo.
Start Using the Reverse Offer Strategy Today
14+
Days on Market
Ideal timing to implement this strategy
5+
Showings
Minimum interest level to target buyers
100%
Proactive
Show sellers you're actively working their listing
The Reverse Offer Strategy gives you a powerful tool to convert interest into action.