Retrading: When a Cash Buyer Lowers the Price After You Sign
Retrading is the cash-offer problem many sellers have experienced without knowing the word for it. A buyer makes a strong offer, gets the property under contract, uses the inspection period to control the timeline, and then asks for a lower price before closing. The seller is left choosing between taking the cut or starting over after losing momentum.
How retrading unfolds in St. Louis
A buyer offers $145,000 cash and says the sale is as-is. The seller stops talking to other buyers. During a 14-day inspection window, the buyer brings in a contractor, shops the deal, and on day 12 says the new number is $125,000.
The as-is trap
Ask-this question: Does as-is mean no repairs and no price reductions after inspection, or only that you do not expect me to make repairs?
Clauses to negotiate before signing
Inspection period length matters. Earnest money matters too. Review cancellation rights, assignment rights, and closing date certainty.
What to do if the buyer retrades
Use Investor Math and Proof of Funds.
Use negotiation examples
See the price reduction case study.
The bottom line
Start with Questions to Ask a Cash Buyer and use the Cash Offer Decoder.