Offers can still be unreasonably low

One of my clients has lost two deals because they have low balled the landlord and not listened to my recommendations.  They now find themselves behind the 8 ball as their requirement for a January 1 commencement that it is quickly approaching.  As your agent, its a tough job to deliver the message that an offer is far too low to be accepted and when I do I usually get:
“The space has been around for months! Let’s lowball!”
“I’ve seen cheaper space so that’s what I’m prepared to offer.”
“I want to negotiate.
“I don’t want to leave anything on the table.”

Whatever the reason, a good agent should be able to tell you what rental rate the deal will finsih within a few dollars.  If your agent can’t estimate the rate or hasn’t given you the numbers on the last few deals in the area you should find representation that works and knows the market.

If you were an agent, how would you deal with a lowball offer?  Do you say no and not waste your time?  Do you say yes and just do it to avoid the potential of losing the deal?  Myself, I tell them how it is, ridiculous or not, and only draft the offer if it is within the scope of possibility.  It is the clients offer, not mine, but I can’t afford to waste my time either.