Doesn't Hurt To Ask! Or Does It?
Gabrielle puts it very plainly - there is a point where it DOES hurt to ask. Where is the line that you shouldn't cross? That is a tricky one. No one really knows. And the damage done may not show up immediately.
I would advise you to carefully choose your battles when negotiating in this strung-out real estate market. It could cost you much more than the battle...you could lose the war.
Coming across this alot these days - people asking for everything they can think of - especially if they are buying or renting a home. Why not?! Right?! It doesn't hurt to ask is something I hear often.
Or does it?
Over the past six months, a tenant called asking for repairs of all sorts. Seems the thought process is - it's not my house so why should I do anything to improve it? The owner is very kind and tried to address each issue best he could. And then came a call a month ago. The soap dispenser mounted to the kitchen sink broke - could you get someone over here to fix it?
The timing was perfect because the lease was up so instead, the owner provided the tenant with a 30 day notice. What do we find out? Tenant doesn't want to move - loves the home - rent is great, etc. But too late - maybe he should have tightened that soap dispenser himself.
It's just fine to ask for things you want - especially for repairs if you are buying a home, or improvements, etc., when you are renting. However, you have to be very careful to make sure you don't cross the line.
· Ask for what you need
· If you just want something to have it, be appropriately selfish but not greedy
· Be prepared to give back in exchange
· For renters - try to do a few things yourself: tighten a loose screw, if you break a light fixture - replace it with a nicer one, if the plumbing backs up, try plunging and a few things on your own before calling the landlord, etc., and save the major stuff for the owner!
Buying or selling Tucson real estate, Mt Lemmon, Tucson bank-owned homes, Tucson rental homes, or Tucson lease option homes? Visit www.KGCPropertiesLLC.com!
This blog is written with my opinions and my opinions are presented with accuracy but not guarantees. Please talk to a professional before making any real estate, financial or agency decisions. Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind - 2011. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission: TucsonsRealEstate@gmail.com.
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