After you've spent enough time doing all of the research about your prospective home and are comfortable with working with the seller, it's time to make the offer. However, the home buying offer isn't the end of the sales process; you may be involved with negotiating a price after making the offer if the seller refuses to accept it, so you'll need a plan to get the price you want - or close to it - well before you extend your initial offer.
Knowledge of the contract and devising a contingency plan are just some ways to ensure you get your dream home within your budget. Barron's 'Consumer's Guide to Home Buying' advises homebuyers to make a checklist of things to consider even before entering the negotiation process. Below are some of the things you need to pay attention to when negotiating:
1. Knowing who are involved in the decision making process. Sellers usually employ the services of agents, lawyers, accountants and other third parties to transact with buyers. Knowing whom you'll be dealing with beforehand will help you devise a specific method for negotiating.
2. Have a back-up plan. It is possible for you and the seller to reach a stalemate when negotiating. Consider developing a back-up plan just in case no agreements are reached during negotiations. Define your maximum offer and do not go over it; just look for other homes to buy.
3. Read the whole contract in detail. Know what you're getting into before you sign your name on the contract. Review the contract in detail and take note of any provisions that are not clear to you. It is best to clarify all terms in the contract with the seller than to assume the meaning of the terms yourself.
4. Develop a relationship with your realtor. Realtors have the experience to give you professional advice about your prospective home. Spend the time to develop a positive working relationship with them. Voice out your concerns to your realtor well ahead of the negotiation process to give your realtor time to help you in making an informed decision.
5. Be prepared to handle negotiation setbacks. Poor communication happens in any negotiation often and you have to learn how to deal with it. There are other things as well that make negotiating difficult. It is important to remain impervious to negotiation setbacks but you have to know when to stop negotiating when you think the transaction is not going anywhere.
Author: Alexandria P. Anderson specializes helping people to find and purchase Richfield MN real estate, as well as Richfield homes for sale for her Minnesota real estate clients.
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