I could see me addressing a counter offer with seller financing:Mr.

As Bill suggested, make a small move with your first counter-offer (I'd probably go to $151,500) and I'd be willing to bet that with the bank's next counter, you'd see a large reduction that the first counter, maybe down to $165K (the second counter offer tends to be the biggest).From there, you work to at least split the difference, and settle somewhere in the $158-159K range.But, if this is above your highest and best, then just wait for another price reduction...

The counter offers I received were about 12% less than the list price, but they were relatively new listings.

I did a bid sale this past weekend and one buyer really wanted the house turned out to have submitted an offer back in September while it was listed, but the offer and the slightly higher counteroffer were rejected by the seller and they did not pursue it and the agent disappeared.

My offer was $55000, all cash the couple accepted it and then the real estate broker had to present it to the bank,Based on my prior experience I thought the bank would make a counter offer or reject my offer outright, Guess what the next day the broker called saying the bank wanted to see proof of funds they accepted the offer provided I could close before Dec 8th.I closed Dec 2nd I spent the last month painting it and refinishing the floors I have a great tenent ready to move in feb 1st at $750 per month .

I also counter offered and asked for a little more time and still to give me the money because the amount they offered me is only half of  what it would cost me to move and I am struggling in this economy and do not have  the money for the rest I need time to save.That was about a week ago and I still have not heard from her.

They just take longer to counter-offer so don't let them rattle you on this one.

I talked to them today when they requested the receipts and they said once they get the receipts they would make me a counter-offer.

First Question - Should I be skeptical of this deal because of the uncommon lower counter offer and other stipulations?

The owner's counter offer was 23k and I pay closing cost ( he has the duplex for sale at 25k)I just followed up with a offer for 20k and we split closing costs 50/50.