What happens when a seller verbally seeks a price increase from a buyer after an offer is made?

When a seller verbally seeks a price increase from a buyer after an offer has been made, it signifies a new proposal from the seller. This request constitutes a counteroffer, as the seller is not accepting the original offer but instead is proposing modifications to its terms, specifically the price.

In the context of contract law, a counteroffer effectively negates the original offer. The original terms are no longer valid in the eyes of the buyer, who must now consider the new price suggested by the seller. This action reflects a shift in negotiation, where the seller is seeking to adjust the terms that were initially agreed upon.

The implication is that if the buyer still wishes to pursue the transaction, they must respond to the counteroffer rather than the original offer. This dynamic keeps the negotiation open and indicates that both parties are still engaged in the discussion regarding the sale of the property.

Other options do not adequately capture this interaction. For example, stating that the original offer is automatically void overlooks the need for a counteroffer process in negotiations. It's important to recognize that negotiating price changes is a standard part of real estate dealings, and thus the action of seeking a price increase is a natural progression of the discussion rather than an immediate cancellation of the agreement.