Buyers do not out negotiate yourself! Don't get greedy. Don't pay more for a home because of a "small" incentive that you can get yourself later.  Go for the bucks that you can save. 

When you are out there looking at homes in the San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Alameda, Contra Costa counties and the surrounding areas, and you finally find the right home, this is the time to slow down and really think about your offer.  Pay special attention to counter offers that the seller offers and what you counter back.  In other words, be careful to not out negotiate yourself.

Tip: If the seller offer the incentive or deal or object to you.... it is probably invaluable to them.  However, if it is something you want, it suddenly becomes valuable to the seller.  So pay close attention to body language if you are present with the seller and / or language in the seller's counter if you negotiating on paper.  If it is going to hold up the sale.... best thing is to let it go.

Tip 2: Do not fall asleep while negotiating, this is one of the most important parts of the purchase.  Be alert and get what you want in the house and "get the biggest bang for your buck".  Staying awake will help assure that you walk away from the closing table with no only the home that you wanted but with a few extras (granite countertops, wood floors, paid less to none on the closing cost and got the house for way lower than the list price)!  It will set off the party!

Ask yourself:  What would benefit you more? 

What if the seller tells you they will throw in a flat screen TVor entertainment center, wine cooler (probably because they do not want to take it off the wall) and they are planning to upgrade when they get into their new home.  What would benefit you more? This TV or say .....credit on your closing costs?

What are some of good incentives that would help you in the short and long run? 

Reduced sales price which will save you on interest and payments - long run.

Closing costs - short term at closing and long run in overall savings

HOA - Homeowners Associates fees - say pay it for 6 months or a year! Short and long term value

A few months of mortgage payments paid for you - WOW! This would be great short and long term savings.  Gives you time to save money that you have to pay out -- puts you ahead of the game!

Lower the sales price !!!! This will be short term to lower the fees and cost of closing and a long term because you will end up payment less on your taxes and insurance and interest.  This is the best of the incentives.

This is true with your financing as well, NO option-ARM, no teasers, insist on a fixed mortgage payment and keep your interest rates low.  Do smart financing, know what you are getting into.

 You do the math before you buy!

For free market evaluation of your home visit http://www.motheranddaughterrealty.com/

Check out my Mother and Daughter Blog for other tips for Sellers and Buyers. I work with my daughter as the Mother and Daughter Real Estate Team and we also focus in Short Sales and the Pre-Foreclosure process.  Our consultations are free.  Our aggressive marketing plan includes progressive online listing advertising.  If you are thinking of selling or buying a home in Northern California: Central Valley (San Joaquin/Stanislaus Counties), East Bay (Alameda, Contra Costa Counties) and would like a free Home Seller's or Home Buyer's Handbook, please call us at Perfect Financial Solutions 866-750-8282 or direct 510-284-7721 or email at brooksrm2042@aol.com