I came across an article on Yahoo Finance this morning, talking about how buyers should approach the current real estate market. In short, it pointed out that buyers have more negotiating power now, and that offers that were once considered "lowballs" are now more likely to get real consideration from sellers. Gee, thanks for the newsflash! 

But my favorite part of the article is this tidbit:

"[Florida realtor] Monsour says she encourages buyers to offer at least 85 percent of the asking price because anything lower than that is 'an insult to the seller.'"

I'm galled every time I'm reminded of how some people -- sellers and realtors alike -- were (and continue to be) so darn sensitive about the market.
 
Don't offer less than 85% of the asking price? Please! I have personally seen some individual asking prices drop 25% to 50% in the last year here in South Florida!

I would never use a realtor who told me how low my offer could be. Instead, I'd move on to a realtor who was willing to present MY offer in the best light possible.

Imagine what the stock market would be like if traders were so ridiculous ... thank goodness they're not!