What is a counter-offer in a home sale?

A counter-offer is a seller's or buyer's formal response that changes one or more terms of the other party's offer, such as price, closing date or included items, rather than accepting it outright. Once made, it typically voids the original offer and puts the ball back in the other party's court to accept, reject or counter again. Brian Beatty negotiates these rounds on behalf of clients to keep the deal moving toward terms that work.