Good man. It ain''t the broker''s offer and it ain''t the seller''s offer. It''s YOUR offer. Screw tying up 10% of whatever because someone thinks it''s "proper" or "traditional." I''ve bought a few boats and a hell of alot more "toys" and real estate. Never laid down more than $1,000.00 or so. It''s a lot more practical than picking at a seller and asking "so, what''ll you take" or "what''s your bottom
line?" I hate that. I tell them to make a formal offer, which MUST include "consideration" in the form of a deposit. Then I''ll either accept, reject or counter-offer.