If you’ve got a listing in a market that isn’t very energetic, you and your seller know how frustrating it can be – the house is shown – prospects come and go – but no offers are made.

It’s true that nothing happens until somebody sells something.  And, you can’t sell something unless you at least have the opportunity to start negotiating.

RISMedia published an interesting article in their best practices series that describes a unique way to get those negotiations going.  To me, the article describes an approach that exemplifies true out-of-the-box thinking.

The idea comes from Todd Walters, an Atlanta agent with RE/MAX.  You can read about his outstanding accomplishments and his idea at the RISMedia article.

In summary, Todd has been successful with what he calls a “reverse offer”.  He and his team have their sellers sign a purchase-and-sell agreement when the house is listed.  Then, every potential buyer who sees the house receives an offer from the listing agent and seller within days of their viewing the home.

The article also addresses the thought that immediately came to my mind.  Wouldn’t a reverse offer result in the potential buyer making an extremely low offer?  Could be, but if the worse thing that happens is that a tough negotiation results. . .  How bad can that be?

Have you ever tried this approach?  Do you think it would work for you?