Better to offer less money or more money but ask for closing credit?

[Gurleen B.]

Hi all,

Looking at making a final offer on a property and wanted some input on two options I have in mind:

Is it better to make an offer for $519,000

or

Is it better to make an offer for $544,000 (his counter-offer) but ask for $25k in closing credits which I can use to buffer any potential issues with repairs/upgrades/renters not being happy with rent increase, etc?

Thanks in advance!