A would-be buyer called and asked me, "Do you know of any no money down, non qualifying assumable loan single family homes?" 

  My answer to him was, if I did know of such a property, I would buy it myself!   

   I asked him where did he get that idea?  (I surmised he had taken a get rich quick course).

    His answer was "Yes, I took a course, we are instructed to call local Realtors or even For Sale by Owners, because those kind of deals are still out there."

    A couple of more questions proved this guy would get nowhere.  He had no job, no income, no assets.  So I wished him well.

What are you talking about!?!? This IS a deal!

What kind of property?

What is the purpose or use of the property?

What does that client consider "a deal"?

What are they willing to compromise to get "a deal".

The market #'s don't lie, the tale of the tap is in the math and math is non-negotiable. So, where does the math make sense aka the bottom-line.

If a client is lowballing beyond 3 offers in the same market, ignoring the brick wall of data in their way - I say buh bye now!

what question?  Every buyer has always looked for a deal.

Is the buyer investing, flipping, or looking for their forever home?

What is their definitions of "a deal"? Does that seem realistic?

Does the desire for "a deal" override the desire for a house that meets their long term needs?

Do they realize that everyone wants "a deal"? No one wants to pay more than necessary.

Math is the only answer. If a deal, many buyers are interested thus making it a bid situation. Then, agents & investors are looking for deals too. Lastly, not wise to base everything on money outcomes but to respect them of course. I would recommend the client concentrate on location & being the first on the scene for a great neighborhood with guaranteed resale value. Of course, all I have said is subject to subjectivity. Steal & deal motives?  ??

Take a number and get in line. Nearly EVERYONE is looking for a "deal", give me your definition of a  "deal" and we can start from there.

It depends on if the client is looking for a deal on a home he/she wants to live in or if they are looking for an investment property Peter Mohylsky Gulf Front Homes . Each would require a totally different answer. I'd answer an investor with "DAMN RIGHT! Let's make some money". A person looking for their own home I'd say "of course, it's my fiduciary duty to get you the best deal possible". "BTW client are you going tyo pass up a fair deal on your dream home?".

Peter Mohylsky Gulf Front Homes 

What kind of deal?

Everything is for sale. Be ready to negotiate. In my mind, an offer is an invitation to negotiate. Negotiation must be done in good faith, where both sides feel like they gave up too much, imho 

Everyone is looking for a deal. Who does not want a deal?  Define the "deal" you are looking for, and I will let you know if I can help. 

What American doesn't want a deal-of-the-century right now?! I always tell buyers it doesn't cost 1¢ to submit an Offer. I can write one up in no time and a lead email that explains the numbers "as provided by the buyer who is a dear client of mine." Let's do it! 

I've done this several times with investors. When the seller is reviewing the Offer, I pull a comprehensive CMA to share with the buyer, letting him/her that he/she needs to be considering a response to the sellers' response when we receive it. 

I believe that most investors do truly appreciate property value. Oftentimes if they get a 'discount' of some sort, they feel like they've won the deal!

"So is everyone else..."

"Most deals involve properties that nobody else wants, are prepared to fix one of these houses?"

I was an excellent negotiator so I told them I'd get them the best price and terms possible on the home of their choice. 

define deal in your mind mister client

A deal or a golden unicorn? I do not deal in golden unicorns but in real estate according to the current market. I don't want people ISO something impossible. They will steal your soul. Get real or GTFOH. Go busy the agents that want to waste time.

First define "a deal"

Define the deal? Acquisition price, price plus rehab as a keeper or a flip, monthly payment savings over current outlay, simply market timing.

Next is searching the market for consideration and analysis.

I like Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate response. In my case, I just tell them everyone is looking for a deal and in our current market they don't exist. Then I explain why.

I explain that if there were a steal out there a Realtor would have already bought it.

When a client is looking for a “deal,” I first take time to understand what “deal” means to them—whether it’s price, location, condition, or long-term value. I then educate them about current market trends, inventory levels, and comparable sales so they have realistic expectations.

I also focus on helping them see the value in a property, not just the price. Sometimes the best "deal" isn't the cheapest home, but the one that fits their needs and offers the best return over time.

It’s all about building trust, being transparent, and guiding them with facts, not just hopes.

Next...

Most of the people I've run across that are looking for deals are just unqualified time wasters that never buy anything.