Your first counter should sit within 2-5% of your asking price in most market conditions. This keeps the midpoint between your counter and the buyer's bid at or above your target net number. Countering 10% below asking in response to a 20% low offer implicitly concedes the midpoint - you have moved the negotiation's center of gravity against yourself before the second round even begins.
⚠️ UNVERIFIED: No T1/T2 source located as of 2026-08-01.
From the seller playbook: Psychological Anchoring in Counteroffers
This is general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Every situation is different. Talk to a licensed attorney, accountant or tax professional before you act.
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